The surname Willis is of Welsh origin and is said to come from "the son of William" There are other spellings of this name which is found on ancient records in England and Wales, mostly in Oxford, Cambridge, Dorset and Worcester and Wales, like ,Wylles, Wylis, Wyllis, Willys and others.
Those bearing this name in London were often yeoman or Gentry with great lands.
The name appeared in America in 1640, with Col. Francis Willis, who settled in Virginia. he was followed by family and friends and the name thrives there to this day in the city of
Fredericksburg, where he was the founder.
Those bearing this name in London were often yeoman or Gentry with great lands.
The name appeared in America in 1640, with Col. Francis Willis, who settled in Virginia. he was followed by family and friends and the name thrives there to this day in the city of
Fredericksburg, where he was the founder.