Surname Wilheit - Meaning and Origin
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Wilheit: What does the surname Wilheit mean?
The last name Wilheit is of Germanic origin and is derived from the name Wilhelm, which was a medieval male given name. The literal translation of Wilheit is “strong will”, which is likely a reference to the strength and determination of someone named Wilhelm.
The name likely originated with a family of warriors or a leader of some kind who was known for their strength and fortitude. It may also have been a reference to a person’s loyalty or dedication to their cause. Given the name’s military associations, it was likely a surname of nobility or high rank in the Middle Ages.
Wilhelm is still a popular name today, and the last name Wilheit is still quite common throughout many countries. It is used by people of various different cultures and backgrounds, and its meaning is still relevant today. Those who bear the name are often said to be strong-willed and dedicated to whatever cause they may take on. They have a strong sense of loyalty and are known for their determination to get things done.
Order DNA origin analysisWilheit: Where does the name Wilheit come from?
Today, the last name Wilheit is most common in Germany. It is a German-language surname variously derived from a Germanized version of the English name Wilhelmy and from the German personal name Wilhelm. The areas of Germany where the surname is most common are in the country’s northern and western regions, particularly in areas near the Dutch border.
The surname is also fairly common in other Germanic countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden. It appears to be equally popular in countries in the South Germanic language branch, such as Switzerland, Austria, and Luxembourg. The name's popularity may also stem from the fact that Wilhelm was a surname widely used in Prussia during the Middle Ages.
Today, Wilheit can be found in many parts of the United States, mostly among descendants of German immigrants. The name is particularly common in the midwest, particularly in rural areas where many German-speaking groups settled. It is also found in some states in the South, such as Louisiana and Alabama. In the 2010 US Census, Wilheit was the 2,387th most common surname in the United States.
Variations of the surname Wilheit
The surname Wilheit is derived from the Middle High German words “wil” and “heiht,” meaning “will” and “contentment.” As such, variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin may include Wilhite, Wilhight, Wilheit, Wilhite, Wilheite, Wilhie, and Wilheit. Wilght, Wilhut, Wilhit, Wilheut, and Wilhuet are also common variants of this surname.
The Wilheit surname is especially common in the Netherlands, where it is spelled Wilheit or Wilhite, but variants with an additional 'e' are seen in Germany, and occasionally in Austria. Wilhite is a particularly common spelling in the United States, where it is particularly common in the Midwest.
Individuals with this name in other countries are likely to have anglicized their version of the name by adding a 'e' or changing the spelling of their name slightly. Wilheit variations can be found in France, England, Ireland, Scotland, and even as far away as Australia, although these variations are likely to be more recent.
The surname has been recorded in many different forms throughout the years, and it is evident that the spelling of this surname can be quite varied. Some variant spellings that are seen in the modern era include Wilhite, Wilheit, Wilhault, Wilhight, Wilhut, Wilhodt, Wilhoft, and many more.
Famous people with the name Wilheit
- David Wilheit: Comedian and actor who has starred in various TV shows and movies in the 90s and 2000s such as The Drew Carey Show, According to Jim, and The Wannabes.
- Lindsey Wilheit: Former American gymnast who competed in the 2000 Olympics and held the American record in floor exercise from 1993-1995.
- Scott Wilheit: Retired professional baseball pitcher who won the 1992 Minor League Player of the Year award.
- Jody Wilheit: Former MLB pitcher who played with the California Angels and the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Joe Wilheit: Former NFL defensive end who played in the NFL and CFL for the Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, and Toronto Argonauts.
- Maria Wilheit: Notable philanthropist and the co-founder of the lifestyle brand, Original Motto.
- John Wilheit: Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and two-time Emmy award-winning composer.
- Charles Wilheit: Emmy-winning sound engineer and mixer who has worked on a variety of TV shows and films.
- Martin Wilheit: Award-winning screenwriter and director, best known for his work on the feature films, Patriots and Believers.
- Joshua Wilheit: Singer-songwriter and producer who released the debut album, "Fables and Fairytales" in 2015.