Wilkerson

Wilkerson is a surname of English origin. It is a patronymic name meaning “son of Wilker” or “son of William,” formed by adding the suffix -son to a given name that is itself a diminutive or nickname for William. The name likely originated in medieval England and later spread to other English-speaking regions through migration and colonization. Wilkerson is one of several surnames that share the patronymic -son pattern, and it can be confused with related names that have different etymologies, such as Wilkinson or Willson.

In contemporary usage, Wilkerson is found in many countries, with a notable presence in the United States. Within the U.S., the name is relatively widespread and shows higher concentrations in various regions depending on historical settlement patterns. Historical records for the surname appear in English documents dating to the Middle Ages, with continued presence in American genealogical sources in the colonial and post-colonial eras.

Notable bearers of the surname have contributed across fields such as politics, sports, arts, and academia, reflecting the surname’s broad distribution rather than a single cultural or geographic lineage. Genealogical research into Wilkerson often involves tracing multiple spellings and variations, as records can show different phonetic renderings over time.

See also: Wilkinson, Wilkins, Willson. The surname Wilkerson thus represents a genealogical lineage rooted in medieval English naming practices, with a modern presence across diverse regions and professions.