The surname Williams has a diverse and complex history, but its origins can be traced back to Ireland. The name is derived from the Gaelic name Uilliam, which in turn comes from the Norman-French name Guillaume, meaning resolute protector. The Normans, who were of Viking origin, invaded Ireland in the 12th century, bringing with them their distinct naming traditions.
Over time, the name Uilliam evolved into the anglicized form William, becoming a popular first name among Gaelic-speaking Irish families. As a result, many surnames were derived from first names, leading to the emergence of the surname Williams.
During the English colonization of Ireland, which began in the 16th century, the surname Williams became more widespread among Irish families, as English authorities required the adoption of English surnames for administrative purposes. As a result, many Irish people, including those of Gaelic descent, took on the surname Williams to conform to English naming conventions.
The name Williams continued to spread throughout Ireland, especially during the period of British rule. The Irish diaspora, caused by the Great Famine in the 19th century, resulted in the migration of many Irish people to countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. As a result, the surname Williams became even more common among people of Irish descent in these countries.
Today, the surname Williams is one of the most widespread and recognizable surnames in the world, with Irish descendants being an important part of its history and legacy.
I'm Bóru Williams, the Family Crest Bear and a custodian of Irish heritage who oversees a grand and expansive library of Irish names. My library is a treasure of family history, cataloguing thousands of surnames, including a special collection of over 2,500 names from Irish and Celtic origins.
We invite you to search this extraordinary library, a realm where each name tells a story. Embark on an engaging journey to uncover your family name hidden within these vast archives. In a distinctive and personalized offering, Bóru Williams allows you to immortalise your family's name and crest on his t-shirt, transforming it into a proud emblem of your family history.
Suitable for children from 36 months, Bóru, the Family Crest Bear is a large charming Irish teddy bear with tweed trousers, a matching flat cap and his t-shirt is personalized with your own family crest. Made with all new synthetic materials he sits 30cm / 12 in. tall (38cm / 15 in. from top to toes), has soft brown fur and features the Paddy Pals motif on his pad. Paddy Pals are loved by both children and adults with their traditional Irish attire and welcoming smile. The best things in life are the people we love, the places we have been and the memories we have made along the way.
Dispatched from County Down, Northern Ireland, Paddy Pals bears are delivered worldwide for FREE!
Standard Free Shipping - Airmail. Delivered in approx. 7-9 working days (Faster
shipping options also available when checking out).
In the unlikely event you are not satisfied with your purchase we offer a 30 days full money back guarantee.
| Materials | Polyester fiberfill. Polyurethane foam |
|---|---|
| Colour | Brown |
| Age | Suitable for children from 36 months |
| Cleaning | Hand wash only |
| Conformity | European Standard EN71 |
|---|---|
| EAN | 5055374500149 |
| Weight | 0.3kg (0.7lbs) |
| Height | 30cm (11.8 inches) |
Gaeilge
English