Where Does the Willes Surname Come From?

Bearers of the name Willes share their surname's story with Willis, of which it is a variant. Taken at its root, Willes points to “Son of Will (William)”.

• Only a small detail separates the spellings: Willes has “e” where Willis has “i”.
• Related forms: Wills and Wyllis.
• Spellings drifted because names were written down by ear in parish books, tax rolls and passenger lists.

Family crest and blazon

Heraldry is personal: arms associated with the Willis surname were borne by specific families, and sharing the name does not mean sharing the blazon. For the full story, order the Willes surname pack.