An English and Welsh surname of Williams refers to the or descendant of Guillemin, and the French form of William. The name Williams means desire for protection. The ‘wil’ means desire and ’helm’ refers to helmet or protection. The Welsh language added the letter ‘s’ to mean the son.

The surname is found the most in United States, , Scotland and Germany. Williams ranks the third most common surname in the United States.

Various ways to spell Williams are Wilcox, Willelm, Williamson, William, Willihelm, Williman, Willimon, McWilliams and MacWilliams.

Famous: Roger Williams (established Rhode Island), Hank Williams (country music singer), Andy Williams (singer), Billy Dee Williams (actor), Guy Williams (actor), Jason Williams (Professional basketball player), Nick Williams (rugby player of New Zealand), Sisters Venus and Serena Williams (professional tennis players) and Jeffrey Williams (American ).