Surname Wilhelms - Meaning and Origin
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Wilhelms: What does the surname Wilhelms mean?
The surname Wilhelms is of German origin, derived from the personal name Wilhelm. The name is derived from the Germanic elements “willi”, meaning “will” or “desire”, and “helm”, meaning “helmet” or “protection”. The name likely came to refer to someone who was particularly brave or protective. Its use as a surname began in the medieval period, when hereditary surnames became commonplace.
The surname Wilhelms is found most commonly in German-speaking countries, but it has spread to other parts of the world, including the United States. In the United States, Wilhelms is predominantly found in the Midwest and Southern states, suggesting a migration from German-speaking Europe. Early records document the presence of the Wilhelms family in Pennsylvania as early as 1711, where it is assumed the family originated.
Today, the Wilhelms surname remains a popular choice among German-speaking families, connecting them to their roots and heritage. Symbolically, the name represents a strong and brave leader in the face of adversity, and a protector of families and home. It’s a meaningful legacy to pass down generations - a reminder to set an example and be steadfast in one’s beliefs.
Order DNA origin analysisWilhelms: Where does the name Wilhelms come from?
The last name Wilhelms is a very common German name, still used today. It originates from the medieval name Wilhelmus, a combination of two Germanic elements: will (purposed) and helm (protection).
Wilhelms is still particularly common in German-speaking areas, particularly throughout Germany. It has become a popular given name due to Wilhelm, the name of several German emperors. It also appears throughout the Low Countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg and is common in French-speaking areas such as Switzerland, Belgium, and Luxembourg. The name is also found in Scandinavian countries, especially in Sweden.
Outside of Europe, the Wilhelms name is also found in many parts of the United States and Canada. There is a large population of German-Americans in the Midwest and western parts of the United States, especially states with large cities like New York and Chicago. In Canada, the name is found throughout the provinces including Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. Additionally, the Wilhelms name can be found in many parts of Australia, South America, and other parts of the world as a result of European emigration.
In conclusion, the last name Wilhelms is very common today and is found in Germany, the Low Countries, Scandinavia, the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. It is most heavily concentrated in areas with large concentrations of German immigrants and their descendants.
Variations of the surname Wilhelms
Wilhelms is a patronymic surname of German origin, derived from the given name Wilhelm. It is a cognate of the English William. Often, German surnames were derived from places, occupational names, nicknames, and sometimes names of deities.
The variants of the surname Wilhelms include Wilhelm, Wilheim, Wilhelm, Wilhelmi, Willi, Wilm, Wilms, Willem, Willems, Willemson, and Willemson.
Wilhelm is an early form of Wilhelms, which could be a contraction of Wilhelmina. It is also used as a short form of William.
Wilheim is the more common German form of the given name William and is derived from the Germanic name Wilhelm, which is composed of the elements will, meaning “will” or “determination” and helm, meaning “protection” or “guard”.
Wilhelmi is a patronymic form of the given name Wilhelm. It is derived from the given name and is used to denote a descendant of Wilhelm.
Willi is a diminutive or pet form of the given name William. It is derived from the Germanic name Wilhelm, and is composed of the elements will and helm.
Wilm is an alternative spelling of Wilhelms, which is derived from the Germanic given name Wilhelm, which is composed of the elements will and helm.
Wilms is a patronymic form of Wilhelms, derived from the given name Wilhelm. It is a cognate of the English William.
Willem is a Dutch and Frisian form of the given name William. It is derived from the Germanic name Wilhelm, which is composed of the elements will and helm.
Willems is a patronymic form of Willem, derived from the given name Wilhelm, which is composed of the elements will and helm.
Willemson is an anglicized form of the surname Wilhelms, derived from the given name Wilhelm.
Willemuson is another anglicized form of the surname Wilhelms, derived from the given name Wilhelm.
Famous people with the name Wilhelms
- Wilhelmine Wilhelms: German figure skater and World bronze medalist
- Emile Wilhelms: Belgian Engineer and industrial pioneer.
- Bernie Wilhelms: American football player.
- Kayla Wilhelms: Australian artist and presenter.
- Fritz Wilhelms: German classical pianist and composer.
- Hans-Dieter Wilhelms: German catholic theologian.
- Maria Theresia Wilhelms: Dutch composer and pianist.
- Wilhelm Wilhelms: Austrian World War I fighter pilot and ace.
- Derek Wilhelms: Canadian ice hockey coach.
- Michael Wilhelms: German physicist and Nobel Prize winner.
- Markus Wilhelms: German football manager.
- Benjamin Wilhelms: German sports journalist.
- Carl Wilhelms: American lawyer and judge.
- David Wilhelms: American writer and television producer.
- Christoph Wilhelms: German philosopher and theologian.