Willis is a

surname In some cultures, a surname, family name, or last name is the portion of one's personal name that indicates one's family, tribe or community. Practices vary by culture. The family name may be placed at either the start of a person's full name ...

English English usually refers to: * English language * English people English may also refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * ''English'', an adjective for something of, from, or related to England ** English national ide ...

, Norman French, and Scottish origin. The oldest extant family of the name, the Willes family of Warwickshire, formerly of Newbold Comyn and Fenny Compton, has used the spellings 'Willis,' 'Willys,' and 'Wyllys' and appear in records from 1330. In this case, the name derives from the name ''de Welles'' (under which name the family were Lincolnshire noblemen) which comes from the

Norman Norman or Normans may refer to: Ethnic and cultural identity * The Normans, a people partly descended from Norse Vikings who settled in the territory of Normandy in France in the 10th and 11th centuries ** People or things connected with the Norm ...

name ''de Vallibus'' (meaning 'of the valley'), which in turn was derived from the ''Vaux'' family tree. The Vaux family, established in England by Harold de Vaux, a close relative of

William the Conqueror William I; ang, WillelmI (Bates ''William the Conqueror'' p. 33– 9 September 1087), usually known as William the Conqueror and sometimes William the Bastard, was the first House of Normandy, Norman List of English monarchs#House of Norman ...

, appears in French records from 794. They had held power in their own right and through royal intermarriages. There are other derivations of the name, including, particularly in Scotland, 'son of William/ Will' (whereby the name has developed from 'Wills', and is similar to 'Wilson' and other related names); because of the popularity of the name 'William' since the Norman conquest, it is clear that by no means are all people with this surname- even very distantly- related. Sources of the name notwithstanding, specific notable Willis families (aside from those in Warwickshire, aforementioned) were of: Halsnead,

Lancashire Lancashire ( , ; abbreviated Lancs) is the name of a historic county, ceremonial county, and non-metropolitan county in North West England. The boundaries of these three areas differ significantly. The non-metropolitan county of Lancashi ...

(now in

Whiston, Merseyside Whiston is a town and civil parish within the Metropolitan Borough of Knowsley in Merseyside, England. Previously recorded within the historic county of Lancashire, it is located east of Liverpool. The population was 13,629 at the 2001 Census, ...

); Atherfield, on the

Isle of Wight The Isle of Wight ( ) is a county in the English Channel, off the coast of Hampshire, from which it is separated by the Solent. It is the largest and second-most populous island of England. Referred to as 'The Island' by residents, the Isle of ...

(and subsequently of an estate named after it at

Woldingham Woldingham is a village and civil parish high on the North Downs between Oxted and Warlingham in Surrey, England, within the M25, southeast of London. The village has 2,141 inhabitants, many of whom commute to London, making Woldingham part o ...

Surrey Surrey () is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in South East England, bordering Greater London to the south west. Surrey has a large rural area, and several significant urban areas which form part of the Greater London Built-up Area. ...

); and Monk's Barn,

Petersfield Petersfield is a market town and civil parish in the East Hampshire district of Hampshire, England. It is north of Portsmouth. The town has its own railway station on the Portsmouth Direct line, the mainline rail link connecting Portsmouth a ...

Hampshire Hampshire (, ; abbreviated to Hants) is a ceremonial county, ceremonial and non-metropolitan county, non-metropolitan counties of England, county in western South East England on the coast of the English Channel. Home to two major English citi ...

. The Willis (later Willis Bund) family were of Wick, Worcestershire, a

cadet branch In history and heraldry, a cadet branch consists of the male-line descendants of a monarch's or patriarch's younger sons ( cadets). In the ruling dynasties and noble families of much of Europe and Asia, the family's major assets— realm, title ...

of the Cambridgeshire family from which also came brothers

Thomas Thomas may refer to: People * List of people with given name Thomas * Thomas (name) * Thomas (surname) * Saint Thomas (disambiguation) * Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, and Doctor of the Church * Thomas the A ...

and Richard Willis (also Willys), each created a

baronet A baronet ( or ; abbreviated Bart or Bt) or the female equivalent, a baronetess (, , or ; abbreviation Btss), is the holder of a baronetcy, a hereditary title awarded by the British Crown. The title of baronet is mentioned as early as the 14th ...

, both titles being extinct at the failure of their descendants by 1732.

Humphrey Willis Captain Humphrey Willis was an English soldier in Ireland in the sixteenth century, his parents are unknown. Captain Willis was appointed Sheriff of County Donegal and County Fermanagh by the Lord Deputy of Ireland William FitzWilliam. Captain ...

Sheriff A sheriff is a government official, with varying duties, existing in some countries with historical ties to England where the office originated. There is an analogous, although independently developed, office in Iceland that is commonly transla ...

County Donegal County Donegal ( ; ga, Contae Dhún na nGall) is a county of Ireland in the province of Ulster and in the Northern and Western Region. It is named after the town of Donegal in the south of the county. It has also been known as County Tyrconne ...

and

County Fermanagh County Fermanagh ( ; ) is one of the thirty-two counties of Ireland, one of the nine counties of Ulster and one of the six counties of Northern Ireland. The county covers an area of 1,691 km2 (653 sq mi) and has a population of 61,805 a ...

, was the ancestor of the Willis family of

Florencecourt Florencecourt is a small village in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. In the 2001 Census it had a population (with Drumlaghy) of 135 people. It is situated within Fermanagh and Omagh district. Historically the area was called "Mullanashangan ...

, County Fermanagh, later also of

Monmouthshire Monmouthshire ( cy, Sir Fynwy) is a county in the south-east of Wales. The name derives from the historic county of the same name; the modern county covers the eastern three-fifths of the historic county. The largest town is Abergavenny, with ...

, of which came the physician and foreign advisor to Japan, William Willis, and the writer Anthony Armstrong (born George Anthony Armstrong Willis); George Willis, who farmed at Florencecourt, discovered the

Florencecourt Yew The Florence Court Yew is the surviving specimen of the two original Irish yew (''Taxus baccata'' 'Fastigiata') seedlings. As such, it is the oldest Irish yew alive and it is believed that almost all Irish yews worldwide descend from this speci ...

in 1767. Another Humphrey Willis, often conflated with the above Humphrey, was an English soldier and prominent

English Civil War The English Civil War (1642–1651) was a series of civil wars and political machinations between Parliamentarians (" Roundheads") and Royalists led by Charles I ("Cavaliers"), mainly over the manner of England's governance and issues of re ...

clubman, was of a yeomanry/ minor gentry family of

Woolavington Woolavington is a village and civil parish on the Somerset Levels in the English county of Somerset. It forms part of the District of Sedgemoor, and is north east of Bridgwater, south east of Burnham on Sea and west of Glastonbury. At the ...

Somerset ( en, All The People of Somerset) , locator_map = , coordinates = , region = South West England , established_date = Ancient , established_by = , preceded_by = , origin = , lord_lieutenant_office =Lord Lieutenant of Somerset , lord_ ...

, related on his mother's side to the Pophams of Huntworth. Notable persons with this surname include:

A

* Adam Willis (footballer) (born 1976), retired English footballer * Albert Charles Willis (1876–1954), Australian politician *

Albert Sydney Willis Albert Shelby Willis (January 22, 1843 – January 6, 1897) was a United States Representative from Kentucky and a Minister to Hawaii. Life Born in Shelbyville, Kentucky, Willis attended the common schools and graduated from the Louisvill ...

(1843–1897), American politician * Alicia Leigh Willis (born 1978), American actress *

Allee Willis Alta Sherral "Allee" Willis (November 10, 1947 – December 24, 2019) was an American songwriter, multi-media artist, collector, and art director. Willis co-wrote hit songs including " September" and "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind & Fire. She ...

(1947–2019), American songwriter *

Arthur Willis Arthur Willis (2 February 1920 – 7 November 1987) was a professional footballer who played for Tottenham Hotspur F.C., Tottenham Hotspur, Swansea City A.F.C., Swansea City, Haverfordwest County A.F.C., Haverfordwest and England national foot ...

(1920–1987), English footballer *

Austin Willis Alexander Austin Willis, (30 September 1917 – 4 April 2004) was a Canadian actor and television host. Biography Austin was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia to parents Alexander Samuel and Emma Graham (Pushie) Willis. His older brother, J. Fran ...

(1917–2004), Canadian actor * A. M. "Monk" Willis, Jr. Achille Murat Willis, Jr. (1916–2011), Chairman, University of North Texas

B

Bailey Willis Bailey Willis (March 31, 1857 in Idle Wild-on-Hudson, New York, United States – February 19, 1949 in Palo Alto, California) was a geological engineer who worked for the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and lectured at two prominent Amer ...

(1857–1949), American geologist *

Beth Willis (producer) Beth Willis (born 1978) is a British television producer, although she has worked as a script editor on ''Agatha Christie's Poirot'' and ''The Amazing Mrs Pritchard''. She was the producer of the BBC drama series '' Ashes to Ashes'', and was an ...

(born 1978), British television producer *

Betty Willis (artist) Betty Jane Willis (née Whitehead; May 20, 1923 – April 19, 2015) was an American visual artist and graphic designer. Born in Overton, Nevada, she is best known for having been the designer of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, and has be ...

(1923–2015), American artist and graphic designer *

Betty Willis (singer) Betty Jane Willis (March 10, 1941 – January 1, 2018) was an American soul singer in the 1960s. Biography Born on a farm in Mississippi, Willis moved with her family to Fresno, California, when she was two. In the early 1960s, she moved to Santa ...

(1941–2018), American singer * Bill Willis (1921–2007), American footballer *

Bob Willis Robert George Dylan Willis (born Robert George Willis; 30 May 1949 – 4 December 2019) was an English cricketer, who represented England between 1971 and 1984. A right-handed fast bowler, Willis is regarded by many as one of the greatest fa ...

(1949–2019), English cricketer *

Bobby Willis Robert Willis (25 January 1942 – 23 October 1999) was an English songwriter and talent manager who became the manager and eventually husband of singer Cilla Black. Career His first known recorded composition, "Shy of Love" was featured on th ...

(1942–1999), British songwriter *

Browne Willis Browne Willis (16 September 1682 – 5 February 1760) was an antiquary, author, numismatist and politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1705 to 1708. Early life Willis was born at Blandford St Mary, Dorset, the eldest son of Thomas Will ...

(1682–1760), English antiquarian and numismatist *

Bruce Willis Walter Bruce Willis (born March 19, 1955) is a retired American actor. He achieved fame with a leading role on the comedy-drama series ''Moonlighting'' (1985–1989) and appeared in over a hundred films, gaining recognition as an action hero a ...

(born 1955), American actor

C

Cardis Cardell Willis Cardis Cardell Willis (August 3, 1937 – February 10, 2007), better known as Cardell Willis and often billed as C. Cardell Willis, was an influential Milwaukee comic. He was locally known mostly in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. He went by th ...

(1937–2007), American comedian *

Carl Willis Carl Blake Willis (born December 28, 1960) is an American former professional baseball pitcher and current pitching coach for the Cleveland Guardians of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was previously the pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox and ...

(born 1960), American baseball player *

Carl Willis (Australian sportsman) Carl Bleakley Willis (24 March 1893 – 12 May 1930) was an Australian sportsman who played Australian rules football with Sydney Swans, South Melbourne and Melbourne University Football Club, University in the Australian Football League, Victor ...

(1893–1930), Australian rules footballer * Carol Willis (disambiguation), several people * Charles Willis (disambiguation), several people *

Chris Willis Christopher Kevin Willis (born February 26, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Although initially a gospel singer, he later received international attention for his collaborations with house music artist David Guetta ...

(born 1969), American singer *

Chuck Willis Harold "Chuck" Willis (January 31, 1926 – April 10, 1958) was an American blues, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll singer and songwriter. His biggest hits, " C. C. Rider" (1957) and "What Am I Living For" (1958), both reached No.1 on the ''Bil ...

(1928–1958), American blues singer and songwriter *

Connie Willis Constance Elaine Trimmer Willis (born December 31, 1945), commonly known as Connie Willis, is an American science fiction and fantasy writer. She has won eleven Hugo Awards and seven Nebula Awards for particular works—more major SF awards than ...

(born 1945), American science fiction writer * Craig Willis (born 1954), Australian sports announcer

D

* Damion Willis (born 1997), American football player * Daria Willis, American academic administrator and historian *

Dave Willis Dave Willis (born May 1, 1970) is an American voice actor, writer, animator, producer and musician. He is best known as the co-creator of the Adult Swim animated series ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' and '' Squidbillies'', the former of which he ...

(born 1970), American voice actor *

David Willis (disambiguation) David Willis may refer to: * David Willis (English footballer) (1881–1949), English footballer for Sunderland, Newcastle United, and Reading * David Willis (cartoonist) (born 1979), web cartoonist * David Willis (journalist) (born 1960), BBC corr ...

, several people * Deborah Willis (disambiguation), several people * Dinah Willis (born 1945), American model *

Dixie Willis Dixie Isabel Willis ''(later Booth, then Ingram)'' (born 13 December 1941 in Fremantle, Western Australia) is a former Australian middle distance runner, who won the gold medal in the women's 880 yards event at the 1962 Commonwealth Games. Sh ...

(born 1941), Australian middle distance runner *

Donald Willis Donald Kirk Willis (born July 15, 1973 in Goleta, California) is a former American football guard in the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1995. He played college football at North Caroli ...

(born 1973), American football player *

Don Willis Don Willis (May 1, 1909 – March 2, 1984) was a colorful pool hustler (known as the "Cincinnati Kid") from Canton, Ohio who was considered one of the greatest money players of all time. In the late 1940s and 1950s, when pool was in decline ...

(1909–1984), American pool hustler *

Dontrelle Willis Dontrelle Wayne Willis (born January 12, 1982), nicknamed "The D-Train", is an American former left-handed professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball for the Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks and Cincinn ...

(born 1982), Major League pitcher for the Detroit Tigers

E

Eddie Willis Eddie "Chank" Willis (June 3, 1936 – August 20, 2018) was an American soul musician. Willis played electric guitar and occasional electric sitar for Motown's in-house studio band, The Funk Brothers, during the 1960s and early 1970s. Career Bo ...

(1936–2018), African-American musician * Edward Willis (disambiguation), several people * Edwin B. Willis (1893–1963), American film set designer *

Edwin E. Willis Edwin Edward Willis (October 2, 1904 – October 24, 1972) was an American politician and attorney from the U.S. state of Louisiana who was affiliated with the Long political faction. A Democrat, he served in the Louisiana State Senate du ...

(1904–1972), American politician * Elizabeth Willis (born 1961), American poet *

Ellen Willis Ellen Jane Willis (December 14, 1941 – November 9, 2006) was an American left-wing political essayist, journalist, activist, feminist, and pop music critic. A 2014 collection of her essays, ''The Essential Ellen Willis,'' received the Nation ...

(1941–2006), American political essayist *

Eric Willis Sir Eric Archibald Willis (15 January 1922 – 10 May 1999) was an Australian politician, Cabinet Minister and the 34th Premier of New South Wales, serving from 23 January 1976 to 14 May 1976. Born in Murwillumbah in 1922, Willis was educated ...

(1922–1999), Australian politician *

Errick Willis Errick French Willis (March 21, 1896 – January 9, 1967) was a politician in Manitoba, Canada. He served as leader of the province's Conservative Party between 1936 and 1954, and was responsible for beginning and ending the party's allia ...

(1896–1967), Canadian politician

F

* F. McGrew Willis (1891–1957), American screenwriter * Felicity Willis (born 1978), Puerto Rican basketball player * Francis Willis (disambiguation), several people * Frank Willis (disambiguation), several people *

Fred Willis Fred Willis (born December 9, 1947) is a retired American football running back who played six seasons in the National Football League for the Cincinnati Bengals and Houston Oilers. Early life Willis grew up in Natick, Massachusetts and atten ...

(born 1947), retired American football player * Sir

Frederick Willis (British Army officer) Lieutenant General (United Kingdom), Lieutenant-General Sir Frederick Arthur Willis (16 July 1827 – 28 May 1899) was a British Army General who held high office in the 1880s. Military career Willis was Commissioned officer, commissioned into ...

(1827–1899), British Army general *

Frederick Smythe Willis Frederick Smyth (later used the spelling Smythe) Willis (1866 – 30 October 1910) was a British-born Australian municipal official who served as an alderman and as mayor of Willoughby, New South Wales, and in his professional capacity as a publi ...

(1866–1910), Mayor of Willoughby, New South Wales

G

Gary Willis Gary Willis (born 28 March 1957) is an American bassist and composer known foremost as the co-founder (with Scott Henderson) of the jazz fusion band Tribal Tech. Aside from his work in Tribal Tech, Willis has worked with numerous other jazz musici ...

(born 1957), American musician *

Geoff Willis Geoffrey Willis (born 23 December 1959) is a British engineer and the Director of Commercial Engineering at the Mercedes Formula One team. He was also the Technical Director of Red Bull Racing team from 2007 to 2009 and Technical Director of H ...

(born 1959), Formula One Technical Director (Red Bull) *

George Willis (disambiguation) George Willis may refer to: * George Willis (politician) (1903–1987), British Labour MP for Edinburgh constituencies * George Philip Willis known as Phil Willis (born 1941), British Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough * George Wil ...

, several people * Gerald Willis (born 1995), American football player * Gerald Willis (politician) (1940–2015), American politician *

Gerri Willis Gerri Willis is an American television news journalist and former host of ''The Willis Report'', a daytime program on Fox Business, focusing on consumer and personal finance issues. Early life and education Gerri Willis was born on August 14, 1 ...

(born 1959), CNN news anchor *

Gordon Willis Gordon Hugh Willis Jr., (May 28, 1931 – May 18, 2014) was an American cinematographer and film director. He is best known for his photographic work on eight Woody Allen films (including ''Annie Hall'' and ''Manhattan''), six Alan J. Pakula fil ...

(1931–2014), American cinematographer

H

Hal Willis (singer) Hal Willis (born Léonald Francis Gauthier; July 15, 1933 – September 4, 2015) was a Canadian country singer who lived in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. He was born in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec the youngest son of Alfred and Evelina Gauthier. Career H ...

(1933–2015), Canadian country singer * Harry Graham Willis (1875–1934), English colonial administrator * Henry Willis (disambiguation), several people *

Henry Parker Willis Henry Parker Willis (August 14, 1874 – July 18, 1937) was an American financial expert. Biography He was born at Weymouth, Massachusetts, the son of the Universalist minister and suffragist Olympia Brown. He graduated from the University o ...

(1874–1937), American finance expert *

, 16th century Anglo-Irish soldier and sheriff of Counties Donegal and Fermanagh

I

Ike Willis Isaac Willis (born November 12, 1955) is an American vocalist and guitarist who was a regular member of Frank Zappa's studio and touring bands from 1978 until the last tour in 1988. He did not tour with Zappa in 1981 and 1982 because he wanted ...

(born 1955), American musician

J

* James Willis (disambiguation), several people *

Jason Willis Jason Patrick Willis (born July 26, 1980) is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. High school career Willis attended Saint Bernard High School in Playa Del Rey, California. As a sophomore, Willis started at safety ...

(born 1980), American footballer *

Jerome Willis Jerome Barry Willis (23 October 1928 – 11 January 2014) was a prominent British stage and screen actor with more than 100 screen credits to his name. Willis had a leading role in the ITV drama series ''The Sandbaggers'' as Matthew Peele. He ...

(1928–2014), British stage and screen actor * Jim Willis (baseball) (born 1927), American baseball player * John Willis (disambiguation), several people *

Jontavious Willis Jontavious Willis (born 1996) is an American country blues singer, guitarist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Willis has released two albums to date, with his sophomore effort, ''Spectacular Class'', debuting at number 12 in the '' Billbo ...

(born 1996), American country blues musician *

Jordan Willis (American football) Jordan Johnathan Willis (born May 2, 1995) is an American football defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Kansas State and was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third ...

(born 1995), American football player * Judith Willis, American biologist

K

Katherine Willis Katherine Willis is an American actress and producer, best known for her roles as Myrtle Hale in ''Killers of the Flower Moon'', Diana Lord in ''Tell Me Your Secrets'', and Joanne Street in ''Friday Night Lights''. Early life and education W ...

(born 1971), American actress *

Kelly Willis Kelly may refer to: Art and entertainment * Kelly (Kelly Price album) * Kelly (Andrea Faustini album) * ''Kelly'' (musical), a 1965 musical by Mark Charlap * "Kelly" (song), a 2018 single by Kelly Rowland * ''Kelly'' (film), a 1981 Canadi ...

(born 1968), American country music singer/songwriter *

Keith Willis Keith Willis (born July 29, 1959) is a former American football defensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL) and currently the defensive line coach and defensive run coordinator for the North Carolina A&T of the NCAA The Nationa ...

(born 1959), American footballer *

Ken Willis Robert Kenneth Willis II (born October 6, 1966) is a former American football placekicker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New York Giants. He played college football at the University of Ke ...

(born 1968), American footballer *

Kevin Willis Kevin Alvin Willis (born September 6, 1962) is an American former professional basketball player mostly known for playing with the Atlanta Hawks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was a 7-foot power forward/center. Excluding player ...

(born 1962), American professional basketball player *

Khari Willis Khari Willis (born May 7, 1996) is a former American football safety. He played for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL) from 2019 to 2021 after having played college football for the Michigan State Spartans. In 2022, Wil ...

(born 1996), American football player

L

Larry Willis Lawrence Elliott Willis (December 20, 1942 – September 29, 2019) was an American jazz pianist and composer. He performed in a wide range of styles, including jazz fusion, Afro-Cuban jazz, bebop, and avant-garde jazz, avant-garde. Willis was b ...

(1942–2019), American jazz pianist *

Leo Willis Leo Willis (5 January 1890 – 10 April 1952) was an American actor who began his career in the silent era. He played mainly tough guys and comic villains, notably opposite Harold Lloyd, Charley Chase, and Laurel and Hardy at the Hal Roach Stud ...

(1890–1952), American actor * Leslie R. H. Willis (1908–1984), English engineer and archaeologist * Linda Willis (born 1949), witness during the assassination of President Kennedy

M

Malik Willis Malik Antonio Willis ( ; born May 25, 1999) is an American football quarterback for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Auburn before transferring to Liberty, where he won the 2020 Dudley Aw ...

(born 1999), American football player *

Marcus Willis Marcus Willis (born 9 October 1990) is a British professional tennis player. Willis made his tour debut at the 2016 Wimbledon Championships after qualifying for the main draw, where he gained recognition after playing against Roger Federer in the ...

(born 1990), British tennis player * Mark Willis (disambiguation), several people * Matt Willis (disambiguation), several people * Matthew Willis (disambiguation), several people *

Meredith Sue Willis Meredith Sue Willis (born 1946 in Clarksburg, West Virginia), is a writer of short stories, novels for adults and for children, as well as non-fiction on the subject of creative writing. Early life Willis graduated from Barnard College in 1969 ...

(born 1946), American writer *

Michael Willis Michael Willis, (born October 4, 1949), is an American television and movie character actor. Willis' credits include movie roles in ''Pushing Tin'' and ''Men in Black'', and several episodes of '' Law & Order''. Willis was born in Lancaster, P ...

(born 1949), American actor *

Michelle Willis Michelle Willis (born November 6, 1986) is a British-born, Canadian-raised singer/songwriter and keyboard player. She performs regularly as a solo artist and as a side musician with David Crosby and Becca Stevens. She has also worked with Iggy & T ...

(born 1986), American composer *

Mike Willis Mike Willis (born December 26, 1950) is a former Major League Baseball player who played for the Toronto Blue Jays from 1977 to 1981. He batted and threw left-handed. He is and weighed 210 lbs. He attended Vanderbilt University. He was born ...

(born 1950), American baseball player

N

Nathaniel Parker Willis Nathaniel Parker Willis (January 20, 1806 – January 20, 1867), also known as N. P. Willis,Baker, 3 was an American author, poet and editor who worked with several notable American writers including Edgar Allan Poe and Henry Wadsworth Longfello ...

(1806–1867), American author, poet and editor *

Nick Willis Nicholas Ian Willis (born 25 April 1983) is a New Zealand middle distance runner and the country's only two-time Olympic medalist in the 1500 metres. He won the silver medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and bronze at the 2016 Olympics in R ...

(born 1983), New Zealand middle distance athlete *

Norman Willis Norman David Willis (21 January 1933 – 7 June 2014) was the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in the United Kingdom from 1984 to 1993, and President of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) from 1991 to 1993. Li ...

(1933–2014), British TYC General Secretary (1984–93)

P

Patrick Willis Patrick L. Willis (born January 25, 1985) is an American former football middle linebacker who played his entire eight-year career with the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the 49ers in the first rou ...

(born 1985), American footballer * Patrick Willis (judge) (born 1950), American judge * Paul Willis (disambiguation), several people * Peter Willis (disambiguation), several people *

Phil Willis George Philip Willis, Baron Willis of Knaresborough (born 30 November 1941, Burnley) is a politician in the United Kingdom. He is a Liberal Democrat member of the House of Lords, and was Member of Parliament (MP) for Harrogate and Knaresboroug ...

(born 1941), British politician *

Phillip Willis Phillip LaFrance Willis (August 2, 1918 – January 27, 1995) was a World War II veteran and a witness to the John F. Kennedy assassination, assassination of President Kennedy who testified before the Warren Commission. Early life and military se ...

(1918–1995), witnessed the assassination of President Kennedy * Patricia Willis, American novelist of ''Danger Along the Ohio''

R

Ralph Willis Ralph Willis AO (born 14 April 1938) is a former Australian politician who served as a Cabinet Minister during the entirety of the Hawke-Keating Government from 1983 to 1996, most notably as Treasurer of Australia from 1993 to 1996 and briefl ...

(born 1938), Australian politician * Ralph Willis (blues musician) (c.1910–1957), American Piedmont blues and country blues singer, guitarist and songwriter * Ray Willis (born 1982), American footballer * Raymond E. Willis (1875–1956), US senator from Indiana *

Rex Willis William Rex Willis (25 October 1924 – 19 January 2000) was a Welsh international rugby union scrum-half who played club rugby for Cardiff and invitational rugby for the Barbarians. He won 21 caps for Wales and was selected to play in the Brit ...

(1924–2000), Welsh rugby union player *

Richard Storrs Willis Richard Storrs Willis (February 10, 1819 – May 10, 1900) was an American composer, mainly of hymn music. His best known melody is probably the one called, simply, '' Carol''. This is the standard tune, in the United States, though not in Great B ...

(1818–1900), American composer *

Richard Willis (spy) Sir Richard Willis, 1st Baronet (sometimes spelt 'Willys') (13 January 1614 – December 1690) was a Royalist officer during the English Civil War, and a double agent working for the Parliamentarians during the Interregnum. Early life Willis was ...

(1614–1690), English Civil War spy *

Richard Gardiner Willis Richard Gardiner Willis (February 10, 1865-February 1929) was a politician in Manitoba, Canada. He was the leader of the Manitoba Conservative Party from 1919 to 1922, and served in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba from 1922 until his death ...

(1865–1929), Canadian politician *

Richard Raymond Willis Major Richard Raymond Willis VC (13 October 1876 – 9 February 1966) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth f ...

(1876–1968), English Victoria Cross recipient *

Robert Willis (engineer) The Reverend Robert Willis (27 February 1800 – 28 February 1875) was an English academic. He was the first Cambridge professor to win widespread recognition as a mechanical engineer, and first to set the scientific study of vowels on a respec ...

(1800–1875), English academic, engineer and writer on church architecture *

Robert Willis (priest) The Very Reverend Dr Robert Andrew Willis KStJ DL (born 17 May 1947) is an Anglican priest, theologian, chaplain and hymn writer. He was Dean of Canterbury from 2001 to 2022, having previously served as Dean of Hereford between 1992 and 2000. ...

(born 1947), dean of Canterbury * Robert Willis (diplomat) (1868–1921), English diplomat posted in China * Rosemary Willis (born 1953), witness to the assassination of President Kennedy *

Rumer Willis Rumer Glenn Willis (born August 16, 1988) is an American actress. She is the eldest daughter of actor Bruce Willis and actress Demi Moore. She has appeared in films ''Hostage'' (2005), '' The House Bunny'' (2008), '' Sorority Row'' (2009) and ''O ...

(born 1968), American actress

S

Sam Willis Samuel Bruce Adlam Willis (born 24 April 1977) is a British historian, television presenter and writer. He is a visiting Fellow in Maritime and Naval History at the University of Plymouth, and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. He is the ...

(born 1977), British historian * Sarah Willis (author), American novelist *

Shane Willis Shane Willis (born June 13, 1977) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey Winger (ice hockey), right winger. Willis was born in Edmonton, Alberta, but grew up in Sylvan Lake, Alberta. Career Willis was originally drafted by Tampa Bay Light ...

(born 1977), Canadian ice hockey player * Simon Willis (cricketer) (born 1974), English cricketer

T

Ted Willis, Baron Willis Edward Henry Willis, Baron Willis (13 January 1914 – 22 December 1992) was an English playwright, novelist and screenwriter who was also politically active in support of the Labour Party. In 1941 he became the General Secretary of the Young Co ...

(1914–1992), British television dramatist *

Sir Thomas Willys, 1st Baronet Sir Thomas Willys, 1st Baronet ( – 17 November 1701) of Fen Ditton in Cambridgeshire, was a Member of Parliament for Cambridgeshire and Cambridge. He was also Sheriff of Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire. Early life Willys was born ...

(also 'Willis'); brother of Richard Willis (c. 1614–1701) *

Thomas Willis Thomas Willis FRS (27 January 1621 – 11 November 1675) was an English doctor who played an important part in the history of anatomy, neurology and psychiatry, and was a founding member of the Royal Society. Life Willis was born on his pare ...

(1621–1675), English doctor and founder of modern neurology * Tom Willis (footballer) (born 1983), Australian soccer player * Tom Willis (rugby union, born 1979), New Zealand rugby union player

V

Vic Willis Vic (; es, Vic or Pancracio Celdrán (2004). Diccionario de topónimos españoles y sus gentilicios (5ª edición). Madrid: Espasa Calpe. p. 843. ISBN 978-84-670-3054-9. «Vic o Vich (viquense, vigitano, vigatán, ausense, ausetano, ausonense): ...

(1875–1947), American Major League baseball player *

Victor Willis Victor Edward Willis (born July 1, 1951) is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He is the founding member of the disco group Village People. He performed as their lead singer and was co-songwriter for all of their most successful singles ...

(born 1951), American singer/songwriter

W

Walt Willis Walter Alexander Willis (1919–1999) was a well-known Irish science fiction fan, resident in Belfast. Work Willis was awarded a 1958 Hugo Award as "Outstanding Actifan" (active fan), which replaced the Best Fanzine category that year. He was nom ...

(1919–1999), Irish science fiction writer *

Walter Willis (disambiguation) Walter Willis, Walt Willis, Wally Willis may refer to: *Bruce Willis (Walter Bruce Willis, born 1955), American actor *Walt Willis Walter Alexander Willis (1919–1999) was a well-known Irish science fiction fan, resident in Belfast. Work Willis ...

, several people, including :*

Walter Michael Willis USS ''Willis'' (DE–395) was an of the United States Navy. Namesake Walter Michael Willis was born on 14 January 1917 at Minneapolis, Minnesota. He enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve as a seaman 2nd class at Minneapolis. He received a ...

(1917–1941), American Navy ensign and namesake for the USS ''Willis'' :*Walter Willis (director), American film director of '' A Pair of Hellions'' *

Wesley Willis Wesley Lawrence Willis (May 31, 1963 – August 21, 2003) was an American musician and visual artist. Diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1989, Willis began a career as an underground singer-songwriter in the outsider music tradition. Will ...

(1963–2003), Chicago artist and musician *

William Nicholas Willis William Nicholas Willis (3 August 1858 – 3 April 1922) was an Australian politician and newspaper proprietor. Early life Willis was born in Mudgee, New South Wales and educated in Mudgee and, briefly, at St Mary's School in Sydney, which he ...

(1858–1922), Australian politician * William Willis (physician) (1837–1894), British physician *

William Willis (traveller) William Willis (September 8, 1893 – July 1968) was an American sailor and writer who is famous due to his solo rafting expeditions across oceans. Early years Willis became a sailor at 15, leaving his home in Hamburg, Germany, to sail around Ca ...

(1897–1971), American sailor and adventurer *

William Willis (inventor) William Willis Jr. (1841–1923) is a British inventor who developed the platinum printing process, an early form of photography, based on the light sensitivity of platinum salts, originally discovered by John Herschel. Willis made the first pla ...

(1841–1923), British inventor * William Willis (mayor) (1794–1870), American politician, Mayor of Portland, Maine *

William J. Willis William J. Willis (15 September 1932, Fort Smith, Arkansas – 1 November 2012, Dobbs Ferry, New York) In 1991 Willis became the Eugene Higgins Professor of Physics at Columbia University. Following the failure to fund the Superconducting Super ...

(1932–2012), American physicist * William Willis Garth (1828–1912), American politician *

Wincey Willis 1948 births Living people British infotainers Weather presenters Wincey Willis (born Florence Winsome Leighton; 8 August 1948) is a British television and radio broadcaster who was most active in the 1980s. She is perhaps best known for bein ...

(born 1948), weather forecaster on TVAM in Britain in the 1980s

References

{{Reflist English-language surnames Surnames from given names