Updated: 5 January, 2008

There are a variety of origins for the surname Wilkinson. The most obvious is "son of Wilkin", where Wilkin comes either from William or "son of Will". (In other words, Wilkinson means grandson of Will.) However, there are a variety of other sources for the name, including McQuilkin (one popular origin from Scotland).

Apparently, the Wilkinson surname is Norman in origin. The first record of the surname was found in Durham, where the clan was seated from ancient times. They were descended from Robert de Wintona, of Glamorgan, one of the 12 knights who came into Glamorgan with Robert Fitzhamon, a Norman noble, in 1066. Fitzhamon was Sheriff of Kent and founder of Tewkesbury.

The name Wilkinson was first assumed in about 1250. Wilkinsons held estates in Durham in Hulam, Coxhoe, Eddercres, Sheriton, The Granges, Hurworth Bryan, White Hurworth, Langdale, Stanley, Holmeside, Tursdale, Whitton, Brafferton, Woodham Burn, Rushyford, Stoballee, and in locations in Northumberland. They also held estates in Scarborough, York, Pontefract, Kirkbrigg, and Winterburn Hall in Yorkshire. Of note among the family at this time was Lancelot Wilkinson of Kyo in Durham.

Of those going to North America, included were: William Wilkinson settled in Virginia in 1606 (14 years before the Mayflower); Cornelius Wilkinson was married in St. John's, Newfoundland in 1815; Anthony and Anne Wilkinson settled in Virginia in 1651; John Wilkinson settled in Salem, Mass. in 1630; Thomas Wilkinson with his wife and child settled in Virginia in Nova Scotia in 1774.

Notables on the social scene during this time: Rev. Canon Alan Wilkinson, Theologian; Professor Alexander Wilkinson, Law; Professor Andrew Wilkinson, Surgeon; Sir Denys Wilkinson, Physics; Sir David Wilkinson; Rt. Rev. Charles Wilkinson, Bishop of Niagara; Sir Harold Wilkinson, Shell Oil; Lancelot Wilkinson, Classics; Sir Peter Wilkinson, Diplomat; Sir Martin Wilkinson, Chairman of the London Stock Exchange.