Recorded in many spelling forms including Wilmot, Willmot, Wilmott, Willmett, Willmetts, Willimott and Wilmut, this is an English surname of Germanic pre 7th century origins. It is a diminutive of the personal name "Wilhelm", plus the diminutive suffix 'et(t) or "ot(t)" meaning 'little' or possibly 'son of'. Wilhelm, the Germanic form of William, is composed of the elements "wil" meaning "strength of mind", plus "helm", meaning "protection". It was first introduced into England and Scotland by the Norman-French after the Conquest of 1066 as "Willelmi". Early examples of the personal name recordings which pre-date the surname include: Robertus filius Willelmi in the Domesday Book of 1086, and Willimot and Wylimot in the London rolls of 1300 and 1306 respectively. Early examples of the surname recording are those of Henry Wilmot in the Hundred Rolls of Cambridgeshire for the year 1273, a Thomas Wilmet, a witness in the Assize Court rolls of Kent in 1317. Henry Wilmot, first earl of Rochester, (1612 - 1658) was Commissionary-General of Horse in the army of King Charles 1st (1641 - 1648). He ultimately joined Charles 11nd during his wanderings, but died before the 1660 Restoration. The first recorded spelling of the family name is believed to be that of Walter Wilimot. This was dated 1252, in the Cartulary of Ramsey Abbey, Huntingdon, during the reign of King Henry 11, 1216 - 1272. Throughout the centuries surnames in every country have continued to "develop", often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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