Williamson

Williamson is a surname of Scottish origin meaning “son of William.” It is a patronymic name derived from the given name William, and it spread widely in English-speaking countries. The surname is common in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, and lines of descent have contributed to politics, sports, and the arts.

As a place name, Williamson appears in multiple jurisdictions. In the United States there is Williamson County in Texas and in Tennessee, and towns or cities named Williamson in New York and West Virginia. The name also occurs in other countries as a geographic or administrative designation, reflecting its widespread use as a toponym derived from the surname.

In science, Williamson is associated with the Williamson ether synthesis, a classic method for forming ethers by reacting an alkoxide with an alkyl halide. The reaction is named for the British chemist Alexander Williamson, who studied and described the process in the 19th century, and it remains a foundational transformation in organic chemistry.

Beyond these uses, Williamson appears in various organizational names, institutions, and historical districts, underscoring its enduring role as both a surname and a place-name element across regions.