Where does the last name of Wilson originate?

Question:

Where does the last name of Wilson originate?

What nationality does it originate?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: "The Ancient History of the Distinguished Surname Wilson"

Few have not heard of the legendary prowess of the Vikings. This fierce sea-faring race acquired settlements in the 9th century at the northern tip of Scotland. It was from this group that the family name WILSON emerges.
Professional researchers found the origin of this surname WILSON by referring to such documents as the Viking Sagas, the Orkneyinga Sagas, the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland, the Inquisitor and translations of local manuscripts, parish records, baptismal, and tax records.

The first record of the name WILSON was found in Berwickshire where they had been seated from very ancient times.

In ancient times it was not uncommon for a person to be born with one spelling of his name, married with another, and yet another to appear on his headstone. Amongst the spellings recorded were: Wilson, Willson, Wilsone, Wilson, Wilson

The family name WILSON emerged as a Scottish Clan or family in this territory of Berwick. They were descended from Will Gunn, and in a minor conflict with the Chief, moved the family to the southeast coast of Scotland. By virtue of the family's relation- ship to Will Gunn, they were of Viking origin descending from the Earls (or jarls) of Orkney, who settled in Scotland about 895 A.D. The Earls of Orkney were originally from Norway, of the royal Norwegian Vikings who were banished from Norway and settled in northern Scotland.

John Wulson was a merchant in the service of Sir John of Montgomery in 1405. Michael Wilsoun was Burgess of Irvin in 1418, and John Wilson was Burgess of Berwick in 1467. Thomas Wolsoun was tenant of Neubotel Abbey in 1563.

They moved south into England when the border clans were disbanded from the border in 1603. Major branches of the family were established at Eshton Hall, in Yorkshire, Yorkshire, Melton, and Bankhall, Penrith in Cumberland, Sneaton Castle in Yorkshire, Casterton Hall in West- moreland, Forest Hall in Northumberland and Rivington Hall in Lancashire.

They were predominantly in northern England. Meanwhile in Scotland they had branches at Fraserburgh, Fingach, Kelton, Glenderston, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Notable amongst the Clan from early times was Will the Crowner Gunn, scion of the family.