An English surname, Wilkinson is a variation on the name Williamson. It also refers to the son of Wilkin. All are based on being armed, protected with armor. Variations in spelling of Wilkinson include Wilkenson, Wilkens, Wilkisson, Wilkins and Wilkennson. In England the Wilkinson surname is concentrated in Westmorland, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Northumberland, Cheshire and Nottinghamshire as well as the city of London. The surname is also found in Wales. In Scotland there is a scattering of Wilkinson families. Most reside in Lanarkshire, Midlothian, Renfrewshire and Selkirkshire. Within the United States the Wilkinson surname originated in Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Texas and California. Famous: Chris Wilkinson (champion English tennis player), Dan Wilkinson (professional football player), John Wilkinson (English poet), Neville Wilkinson (English dollhouse designer), Scott Wilkinson (actor), Tom Wilkinson (English footballer), Philip Wilkinson (businessman numerous companies in England including Webtogs, Shopgenie and Genie Group), Lawrence Wilkinson (pioneer of scenario planning for businesses) and Kate Wilkinson (film and television actress).