Wilkinson

Wilkinson is a surname of English origin. It is a patronymic derived from William, with the diminutive suffix -kin indicating “son of” or “little.” Thus Wilkinson originally designated a descendant or kin of William. The name is common in the United Kingdom and in countries with historical British settlement. Variants and related surnames include Wilkins, Wilkerson, and, less commonly, Wilkenson, though spellings vary by region and family history.

Beyond as a surname, Wilkinson appears in geography and commerce. There are several places named Wilkinson in English-speaking countries, including counties and towns. The name is also associated with corporations and brands that have carried the Wilkinson name over time.

In commerce and technology, Wilkinson Sword refers to a historic British arms manufacturer founded in the 19th century, which became a leading producer of razors and blades. The business has undergone corporate changes and is marketed as Wilkinson Sword in Europe and Schick Wilkinson Sword in North America, following acquisitions and brand partnerships.

In science and astronomy, the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) was a NASA mission launched in 2001 to map the cosmic microwave background. The instrument was named in honor of American astronomer David Todd Wilkinson, recognizing his contributions to cosmology.

Notable individuals with the surname Wilkinson have contributed across politics, science, arts, and sports. The name remains common in English-speaking regions and continues to appear in various place names and brand identities.