Surname Willing - Meaning and Origin
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Willing: What does the surname Willing mean?
The last name Willing is of English origin and is a derivation of the Anglo-Saxon name “Will”. This is a form of the given name William, derived from the Germanic name ‘Willahelm’, which means ‘resolute protector’. Originally the name was used to designate someone who was strong-willed and protective.
The root meaning of this surname is ‘to be determined’. It implies a person who is determined and forceful in achieving their goals. This name has become particularly associated with leadership and industry. It is believed to refer to someone who has a sound mind, and able to take decisive action due to their strong resolve.
The name carries a feeling of drive and commitment. It is a piece of straightforward but powerful name, designed to invoke a sense of confidence and strength in the bearer.
In some cases, the name Willing has been changed to Willington, Wilton, or Willbourn, implying a more gradual, and often less aggressive stance taken on achieving success. These changes suggest that the motivation behind the name shifted to encompass a wider range of goals, rather than simply expressing pushiness and strength.
Overall, the name Willing carries with it a sense of dedication. It helps to communicate a sense of determination in the bearer, and a willingness to go far to achieve their goals. It champions their commitment and unyielding spirit in the face of life’s challenges.
Order DNA origin analysisWilling: Where does the name Willing come from?
The last name Willing is thought to have originated from England, and can still be commonly found in regions that were occupied by English immigrants, such as the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. It is estimated that the surname Willing is fairly rare, with about 8,000 living bearers of it in the US, and over 12,000 in the UK.
The origin of the name is believed to have derived from an Anglo-Saxon term meaning 'Willing Will', which may refer to an ancestor who showed willing to do something or was willing to accept a challenge eagerly. Some experts believe the name itself comes from an old Norse term 'wilingr'.
Willing is a fairly popular and well-used surname in the US, as well as in the UK and its former colonies. There are plenty of variations of the name, such as Willinghame, Wilenski, Wilanowski, and Wilama.
The name is also fairly common in other parts of the world, including some parts of France, Canada, South Africa, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Austria. It is likely that the name has been changing and evolving over the years since its initial introduction.
Overall, the Willing surname is fairly common in many regions of the world that were either once conquered by the English or had English immigrants who took their surname with them upon emigration. The variations of it can appear in a range of countries, and can even be found in countries outside of Europe, such as Canada and South Africa.
Variations of the surname Willing
The surname Willing (also spelled Wilin, Willin, Wiling and Wyling) is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is thought to be derived from the pre-7th Century Olde English personal name Willing or Wiling. This name is composed of two elements, the first being ‘willa’ meaning ‘to wish’ and the latter ‘ing’ meaning ‘kin of’. It is also possible that it is nickname surname for someone who was ‘level-headed’ or ‘relaxed’ as ‘willa’ could also be a derivation of the Olde English word ‘wille’, meaning pleasure or delight. Thus, the name might mean ‘happy kinsman’.
Willing is an example of a patronymic surname, meaning that it was derived directly from the given name of a parent or ancestor of the initial bearer. As such, Willing is thought to be an uncommon British surname.
Variant spellings of the surname Willing include Willingh, Willings, Willington, Wilyng and Wyllin. Other surnames of similar origin are Wilken, Wilkin, Wilkinson, Wilks and Wilkie. All these surnames are derived from the pre-7th Century Olde English word ‘willing’.
Famous people with the name Willing
- Emma Willing, an Australian actress who starred in the television series The Heights and Home and Away.
- Eddie Willing, an American musician and songwriter best known for his collaborations with Gregg Allman and the solo project, Eddie Willing and the Aristocrats.
- H. Stanley Willing, a Canadian artist who was featured in Canadian art magazines for his work in painting and sculpture.
- Bart Willing, a professional American football player who played in the National Football League (NFL).
- Justin Willing, an Australian actor, singer, and songwriter who has appeared in several television shows and films.
- Robert Willing, an American author of novels, short stories, and essays.
- Ryan Willing, an American photographer whose work has been featured in publications such as Newsweek and Time magazine.
- Mark Willing, an Australian author and journalist whose books include the bestseller, The Great Ocean Road, and the critically acclaimed novel, The Weight of Water.
- Brian Willing, an American actor best known for his starring role in the film series A Christmas Story.
- Sandy Willing, an American art collector and patron who was instrumental in the founding of the Center for American Studies at Stanford University.