This surname, chiefly found in England and Scotland derives from the Olde English pre 7th Century personal name Willoc from the German "willa" meaning "will" or "desire". In the Middle Ages it was used as a diminutive of William. One, Kannulfus filius (son of) Willoc is recorded in the 1219 "Assize Court Rolls of Lincolnshire". The surname appears a few years later, (see below). In 1584, one, Gilbert Willox received payment "for biging of the Reyheid port" of Aberdeen - "Miscellany of the Spalding Club", Aberdeen. In 1611, a James Willox was burgess of Aberdeen (ibid). In the registers of St. Michaels Parish, Barbados, a Mathew Willox and wife are recorded as landowners of some standing. "The War Book of Turriff" (Scotland), instances, George and William Willox from Alvah - killed in the First Great War. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William Willoc, (witness). which was dated 1221, The Assize Court Rolls of Worcestershire. during the reign of King Henry III, The Frenchman, 1216 - 1272. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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