Aston Villa's 'Villans' - not 'Villains' - is rooted in history and the club's location
A close up photograph of Aston Villa's new club crest on the 24/25 home shirt
Aston Villa Football Club is one of England’s most historic and successful football clubs, boasting a legacy that spans over 150 years. Fans and football enthusiasts alike often refer to the club as “The Villans”, a nickname that has become deeply ingrained in Villa’s identity.
But where did this name come from, and what does it really mean?
While the nickname might seem self-explanatory - a simple derivative of "Villa" - its history is layered with tradition, linguistic evolution, and the deep connection between the club and its Birmingham roots.
Aston Villa was founded in 1874 by four members of the Villa Cross Wesleyan Chapel in the Handsworth district of Birmingham. The club's name derives from Aston, an area that was then a separate parish before becoming part of the greater Birmingham metropolitan area, and Villa, referring to the church where the founding members were based.
Villa Park
By the late 19th century, Villa had established itself as one of England’s most dominant football clubs. They were founding members of the Football League in 1888 and quickly became a powerhouse, winning six First Division titles and six FA Cups by 1920.
As with many football clubs at the time, supporters and rival fans alike began crafting informal names for teams. Villa’s nickname - "The Villans" - came as a natural linguistic evolution.
So, even though the term “Villan” sounds phonetically similar to “villain” (meaning an antagonist or bad character), - which leads to confusion about the nickname - “Villan” doesn’t have any direct negative connotation. Instead, it reflects the club’s location and origins.
Aston Villa squad
Unlike some clubs whose nicknames stem from club crests (like Wolves) or famous figures (like Newcastle’s Magpies), Aston Villa’s nickname is a direct play on the club’s name. The term “Villan” is simply a derivation of “Villa” and was likely first used in local newspapers, match reports, and by fans in casual conversation.
By the mid-20th century, “Villans” had become widely accepted, with broadcasters and commentators using the term regularly. Today, it remains an official part of the club’s branding and identity.
While "Villans" is the most famous and widely used nickname, Aston Villa has had other monikers over the years. The most prominent one of those being “Lions”, a reference to the lion on the club’s crest, inspired by the Scottish heritage of one of its early influential figures, William McGregor (founder of the Football League).