Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Wills

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      With Gilded Helmet

      Variations

      Mills, Wells, Willa
      The name Wills has its origins in the English language and can be traced back to medieval times. The name is derived from the Old English word will, which means with gilded helmet. It was common during the Middle Ages for individuals to incorporate descriptive elements into their names, such as their physical appearance or attributes. The addition of with gilded helmet suggests that individuals with the name Wills were associated with strength, nobility, or even military prowess.

      In history, the name Wills has been recorded in various contexts. It is likely that individuals bearing this name were prominent figures in medieval English society, such as knights or members of the nobility. The name might have represented their status and reinforced their reputation for bravery and excellence in battle. Presently, the name Wills continues to persist as a name and occasionally as a given name. While not as commonly used as other English names, it maintains a distinct character and serves as a reminder of medieval English heritage. Today, individuals with the name Wills can carry on the legacy of strength and nobility associated with their ancestors.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Wills.

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1839 is when there were the most people born with the first name Wills.

      Explore the origins of another name.