What was William the Conqueror's last name?

Answer 1

His real name in French was Guillaume de Normandie. He was never called William during his lifetime as the name William did not exist at the time. His "English" name was Wilgelm (Latin Willelmus - seen shortened to Willelm). Evidence for this is found in the famous Bayeux Tapestry. The exact pronunciation of Wilgelm, this alternative name for William, is debated. However, in later centuries when the name Wilgelm is succeeded by William, historians refer to Wilgelm as William. Thus, the phrase William the Conqueror is born. In France, he was William, Duke of Normandy.

Answer 2

As a member of the nobility, William would not have had a surname. Before he became King of England, he was Duke of Normandy, and the "of Normandy" was the nearest to what we would call a surname. However, before he was called "the Conqueror" (by which time he was dead), he was called William the Bastard.

Answer 3

He didn't have a 'surname' that we have now. The 'Duke of Normandy' at the end of his name was his equivalent of a surname.

One of his nicknames were William the Bastard.

Answer 4

born around 1028 he was the illigitimate son of Duke Robert 1 of Normandy. He was known as 'William the Bastard' to his contemporaries