The architect and justice of the peace played an important role in the city during the mid-1800s when the Southland city was being established.
Nearly 170 later, his great-great-great grandchildren Alison Langlands Joyce (59), Jocelyn Hurring (64) and Vivienne Clarence (62) visited the city, for the first time as a trio, to the site of where new Langlands hotel will be built.
Alison lives in Beaumont while Jocelyn and Vivienne live in Dunedin and Christchurch, respectively.
"I think he would be very proud and honoured with this achievement," Vivienne said.
The sisters found out about the name through a story published in the Otago Daily Times earlier this month.
Jocelyn was reading the newspaper during her lunch break and the name caught her attention.
"It was very emotional and brought tears to my eyes. I immediately called my sisters to share the news."
Vivienne said they have a strong family history, including photographs, documents and a timeline of all Langlands members.
She described her great-great-great grandfather as an entrepreneur, creative and ambitious, who had a passion for people.
"He was not afraid to speak his mind and wanted to do well for his family and to his community."
Alison said the family have that in common.
"Everybody has a community spirit and I believe we have this strong connection with him."
She also said in all generations have a girl named after Alison, William's wife.
The youngest sister is the only one who carries the Langlands name - it was a 40th birthday present from Jocelyn.
"She always wanted to add the Langlands name and I'm glad that I could make her wish come true," Jocelyn said.
During their visit to Invercargill, they also met Invercargill Licensing Trust's chairman Alan Dennis and chief executive Chris Ramsay.
Mr Dennis gave them a private look at the plans for the new hotel.
"It's a honour to have them here. This make our project even more real, " Mr Dennis said.
She wants to celebrate the date with a big family reunion at the new hotel.
Mr Ramsay said it would be great if her party was one of the first functions at the hotel.
"We always wanted to celebrate William Langlands' achievement and history. It will be a nod to the past."
The trip made everything seem more real and personal, they said and they could not wait to see their name on the hotel.
