name

WILLARD

Tour the Willard House and Clock Museum

Willard Coat of Arms

The Willard Family Association

(on the Internet)

	Born		Died
Cordelia Sophia	1828	New York	1920	New York
John R.	1803	Fort Ann, New York	1874	New York
Josiah	1756	Rutland, Mass.	1756	Marion, New York
Josiah	1732	Grafton, Mass.	1817	?
Joseph	1693	Sudbury (?), Mass.	1774	Grafton, Mass.
Benjamin	1665	Lancaster, Mass.	1732	?
Simon	1605	Horsemonden, Kent, England	1676	Charlestown, Mass.
Richard, III	1568	England	1616	Horsemonden, Kent, England
Symon	abt 1530	Brenchley, Kent, England	1584	Gowthurst, Kent, England
Richard, 1st	abt 1500	Brenchley, Kent, England	1558	Brenchley, Kent, England
William	abt 1470	Brenchley, Kent, England	bef 1559	Brenchley, Kent, England

THE WILLARD COAT OF ARMS

The Surname Willard

A few words about the surname WILLARD. There are many variant spellings for this surname.
In earlier generations the spelling of the surname evolved and during migrations the names
were often misspelled or changed. And so we have today several spellings of this surname.
Some earlier examples are: Wyllard, Wielard, Wilard, Williard, Willarde, Willart, Willerd Wollard, Willar,
also Villard, Villiard, Vielliar, and Vieillard.

When researching the early generations (pre-1400 thru late1700), you will sometimes find different spellings within
the same family group.

The surname Willard is an old name dating back prior to the 11th century. It is considered to have a Teutonic origin,
and from Norman-Saxon blood. According to genealogical opinion the early ancestors came from an region of
Western Europe which is now northern France. It is also stated that the name can be traced back to the Roman Empire.

There are several distinct families of Willards that have emigrated to North America from various regions of Europe.

One main genealogy line is known as the Major Simon Willard line. Simon Willard with a sister and brother came
from Horsmonden, Kent, England to America in 1634 and settled in New England.

Another substantial line is commonly known as the German line. Dewalt Willard along with his entire family came to
America in 1746 from Upper Mallingea, Palts, Germany. They settled in Maryland and the Virginias.

Many of the Willard descendants migrated westward and settled in communities along the trails to the west coast.

Other Willard families emigrated from Central Europe, including the Netherlands, and France.

Since the mid 1800's, many collateral Willard families and individuals have come to America.