NameCensus.

UK surname

Willman

A surname of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "willehalm," meaning "determined protector."

In the 1881 census there were 236 people recorded with the Willman surname, ranking it #11,540 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 210, ranked #18,965, down from #11,540 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Louth, Melling and Hull Holy Trinity. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Brent, Liverpool and Powys.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Willman is 482 in 1891. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 11.0%.

1881 census count

236

Ranked #11,540

Modern count

210

2016, ranked #18,965

Peak year

1891

482 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Willman had 236 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #11,540 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 210 in 2016, ranked #18,965.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 482 in 1891.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Inner Suburbs and Small Town Living.

Willman surname distribution map

The map shows where the Willman surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Willman surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Willman over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 187 #10,978
1861 historical 456 #5,692
1881 historical 236 #11,540
1891 historical 482 #7,652
1901 historical 353 #10,364
1911 historical 358 #10,110
1997 modern 217 #16,761
1998 modern 217 #17,207
1999 modern 214 #17,494
2000 modern 191 #18,752
2001 modern 199 #17,996
2002 modern 205 #18,009
2003 modern 203 #17,967
2004 modern 216 #17,331
2005 modern 217 #17,217
2006 modern 213 #17,563
2007 modern 210 #17,904
2008 modern 211 #17,997
2009 modern 211 #18,377
2010 modern 218 #18,375
2011 modern 207 #18,841
2012 modern 208 #18,720
2013 modern 219 #18,385
2014 modern 215 #18,764
2015 modern 208 #19,085
2016 modern 210 #18,965

Geography

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Where Willmans are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Louth, Melling, Hull Holy Trinity, Halifax and London parishes. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Brent, Liverpool, Powys, Lancaster and Rochdale. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Louth Lincolnshire
2 Melling Lancashire
3 Hull Holy Trinity Yorkshire, East Riding
4 Halifax Yorkshire, West Riding
5 London parishes London 3

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Brent 009 Brent
2 Liverpool 057 Liverpool
3 Powys 001 Powys
4 Lancaster 017 Lancaster
5 Rochdale 005 Rochdale

Forenames

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First names often paired with Willman

These lists show first names that appear often with the Willman surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Willman

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Willman, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities

Group

Inner Suburbs and Small Town Living

Nationally, the Willman surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Inner Suburbs and Small Town Living, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Willman household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Families with resident dependent children (but not students) are common. Established family groups and White ethnicity predominate, as do individuals born in the UK. They are more likely than the Supergroup average to have been resident in their terraced, semi-detached, or detached houses for more than one year. Levels of multiple car ownership are high. Properties are owned and typically have surplus living space. Associate professionals and administrative occupations are prevalent, and parents are likely to be in middle age or approaching retirement. Educational attainment is above the Supergroup average. Scattered developments and concentrations are found in many small towns.

Wider pattern

Pervasive throughout the UK, members of this Supergroup typically own (or are buying) their detached, semi-detached or terraced homes. They are also typically educated to A Level/Highers or degree level and work in skilled or professional occupations. Typically born in the UK, some families have children, although the median adult age is above 45 and some property has become under-occupied after children have left home. This Supergroup is pervasive not only in suburban locations, but also in neighbourhoods at or beyond the edge of cities that adjoin rural parts of the country.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Willman is most associated with areas classed as Settled Semi-Detached Asians, part of Suburban Asian Communities. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These residents share Supergroup characteristics of large (non-Chinese) Asian populations but those identifying as Bangladeshi are notably absent. Many residents were born in the UK, while other more recent migrants have African birthplaces. Semi-detached housing, much of it owner occupied, prevails in these suburban residential locations.

Wider London pattern

Many residents of these neighbourhoods are of (non-Chinese) Asian descent, with many identifying as Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi. Neighbourhoods are located across large areas of suburban west, north-east and south London. Detached, semi-detached and terraced houses are more prevalent than flats and socially rented housing is uncommon. Few residents live in communal establishments. Many families have dependent children, sometimes in overcrowded accommodation, and few households are ethnically mixed. Marriage rates are above the London average. The even age distribution, relative absence of individuals living alone and frequent incidence of households with children suggests that multi-generation households may be relatively common. Employment is often in skilled trades, elementary, sales and customer service occupations, and roles as process, plant, and machine operatives. Manufacturing and construction are well represented, along with employment in distribution, hotels, and restaurants. Many adults have only level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. English is not used at home by some residents. Religious affiliation is above average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Willman is most concentrated in decile 3 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the less healthy end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

3
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Willman falls in decile 6 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

6
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Willman is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Willman, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Willman

The surname WILLMAN is of English origin, derived from the Old English words "willa" meaning "will" or "desire," and "mann" meaning "man." It likely emerged as a descriptive surname in the 12th or 13th century, referring to someone with a strong will or determination.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Northamptonshire from 1182, which mention a William Willman. Another early reference is in the Feet of Fines for Oxfordshire from 1221, where a Robert Willman is listed.

In the 13th century, the name appeared in various spellings, such as Willman, Wilman, and Wylman, reflecting the variations in pronunciation and spelling at the time. Some of these early spellings were also influenced by the Norman French language introduced after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

The surname WILLMAN was particularly prevalent in the counties of Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, and Warwickshire, though it gradually spread to other parts of England over the centuries.

One notable bearer of the name was Sir Willman, a 13th-century knight who fought in the Welsh Wars under King Edward I. His exact dates are uncertain, but records indicate he was active in the late 1200s.

In the 16th century, a John Willman (c. 1520-1590) from Gloucestershire was a prominent merchant and landowner. He acquired significant property and wealth through his successful business ventures.

During the English Civil War in the 17th century, a Richard Willman (1615-1679) from Warwickshire served as a captain in the Parliamentarian forces under Oliver Cromwell. He played a role in several key battles during the conflict.

Another notable figure was Sir William Willman (1685-1743), a successful lawyer and judge from Oxfordshire. He served as a Justice of the King's Bench and was knighted for his contributions to the legal system.

In the 19th century, a Samuel Willman (1824-1901) from Northamptonshire gained recognition as a prolific inventor and engineer, particularly in the field of agricultural machinery and tools.

These are just a few examples of individuals bearing the surname WILLMAN throughout history, highlighting its long-standing presence in various regions of England and across different professions and backgrounds.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Willman families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Willman surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Lancashire leads with 87 Willmans recorded in 1881 and an index of 3.18x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 87 3.18x
Yorkshire 47 2.06x
Middlesex 26 1.13x
Devon 14 2.92x
Surrey 13 1.16x
Lincolnshire 10 2.72x
Sussex 6 1.55x
Caernarfonshire 5 5.37x
Dorset 4 2.65x
Hampshire 4 0.85x
Northamptonshire 4 1.85x
Somerset 4 1.08x
Durham 3 0.44x
Nottinghamshire 3 0.97x
Cheshire 2 0.39x
Kent 2 0.25x
Cornwall 1 0.38x
Worcestershire 1 0.33x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Caton in Lancashire leads with 11 Willmans recorded in 1881 and an index of 1279.07x.

Place Total Index
Caton 11 1279.07x
West Derby 11 13.76x
Accrington 10 40.27x
Louth 10 118.48x
Sculcoates 9 24.88x
Salford 8 9.96x
Camberwell 7 4.76x
St Mary 7 460.53x
Colyton 6 326.09x
St George In East 6 38.31x
Wray With Botton 6 1224.49x
Bangor 5 55.68x
Ellel 5 354.61x
Middlesbrough 5 16.83x
North Bierley 5 40.58x
Satterleigh 5 10000.00x
Templenewsam 5 303.03x
Toxteth Park 5 5.41x
Westminster St James 5 21.12x
Brighton 4 5.11x
Broughton In Salford 4 16.01x
Charmouth 4 816.33x
Croydon 4 6.42x
Everton 4 4.59x
Habergham Eaves 4 16.02x
Hulme 4 7.01x
Pendlebury 4 69.32x
Chelsea London 3 4.32x
Crompton 3 38.56x
Holy Trinity 3 5.47x
Openshaw 3 23.46x
Pollards Land 3 625.00x
Rushden 3 103.45x
St Clement Danes 3 80.43x
St Pancras London 3 1.62x
Basford 2 13.99x
Bickerton 2 1818.18x
Chard 2 44.54x
Dewsbury 2 8.55x
Exeter St Mary Steps 2 185.19x
Kingsclere 2 92.59x
Lyncombe Widcombe 2 20.62x
Paddington London 2 2.36x
Tong 2 45.35x
Wakefield 2 11.42x
Bingley 1 6.88x
Bradford 1 1.81x
Claines 1 12.12x
Cuckfield 1 25.51x
Dawlish 1 28.01x
Deptford St Paul 1 1.65x
Eastbourne 1 5.60x
Ecclesall Bierlow 1 2.16x
Heston 1 13.07x
Higher Bebington 1 30.77x
Kensington London 1 0.78x
Kirkdale 1 2.18x
Lancaster 1 6.15x
Lezant 1 172.41x
Liverpool 1 0.60x
Maidstone 1 4.27x
Much Woolton 1 26.95x
Normanton 1 14.60x
Northallerton 1 34.36x
Romsey Infra 1 62.50x
Southampton Holy Rood 1 208.33x
Southwark St George Martyr 1 2.16x
St George Hanover 1 3.33x
St Sepulchre London 1 29.67x
Standish With Langtree 1 29.76x
Stapleford 1 39.68x
Sutton In Macclesfield 1 18.98x
Wandsworth 1 4.51x
Wellingborough 1 9.18x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Willman surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 14
Elizabeth 11
Sarah 10
Jane 8
Eliza 5
Harriet 5
Isabella 5
Martha 4
Alice 3
Ann 3
Ellen 3
Emily 3
Fanny 3
(Mrs) 2
Catherine 2
Clara 2
Emma 2
Julia 2
Kate 2
Lucy 2
Margaret 2
Nancy 2
Albertina 1
Anaretta 1
Anne 1
Annie 1
Barbara 1
Betsy 1
Caroline 1
Carrie 1
Catharine 1
Christina 1
Dorothy 1
Edith 1
Elisa 1
Elizh. 1
Ethel 1
Florence 1
Hannah 1
Hester 1
Infant 1
Joanna 1
Leah 1
Lily 1
Louisa 1
Margret 1
May 1
Messie 1
Rosa 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Willman surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
John 24
Joseph 8
William 8
James 7
Thomas 7
Edward 5
Alfred 4
Charles 4
Robert 4
Albert 3
George 3
Richard 3
Benjamin 2
Frank 2
Fredrick 2
Peter 2
Willm. 2
(Mr) 1
Abraham 1
Andrew 1
Arthur 1
Christa 1
Christopher 1
Daniel 1
Edmund 1
Enoch 1
Ernest 1
Francis 1
Fred 1
Harry 1
Henry 1
Herbert 1
Izebar 1
Jabez 1
Jacob 1
Percy 1
Sebastian 1
Stephen 1
Theodore 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Willman surname: questions and answers

How common was the Willman surname in 1881?

In 1881, 236 people were recorded with the Willman surname. That placed it at #11,540 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Willman surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 210 in 2016. That gives Willman a modern rank of #18,965.

What does the Willman surname mean?

A surname of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "willehalm," meaning "determined protector."

What does the Willman map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Willman bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.