Surname Wilkin - Meaning and Origin

Wilkin: What does the surname Wilkin mean?

The surname Wilkin is of English origin and is believed to be an occupational surname derived from the Old English term “wilcuma,” meaning “one who specializes in tanning,” as in a tanner or leather worker. As such, it is thought that those who received this surname were likely involved in the leather industry at some point. Variations of the Wilkin surname include Wilkinson, Wilkins, Wilkerson, Wilkeson, Wilcox, Wilkison, and Wilkoff.

It is believed that the earliest bearers of the Wilkin surname lived in the mid-1500s, in the region of Lancashire, England. Later, in the late 1700s, some Wilkins family members migrated to the US colonies, particularly to South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.

The meaning of the surname Wilkin has evolved over time. In Medieval times, many families chose a surname as a way of honoring a particular profession or personal trait. In some cases, the Wilkin surname was associated with the tanning trade, but more generally, it has become a respected surname that stands for a person noted for hard work and determination. Many Wilkins ancestors were involved in the US Civil War and many are proud of their family’s role in this historical event.

The Wilkin surname is found in many different countries and in many different contexts today. It is a legacy of hardworking ancestors who created a lasting impression on their communities. Today, the Wilkin surname holds honor and respect, and is associated with an industrious spirit and the perseverance needed to overcome great odds.

Wilkin: Where does the name Wilkin come from?

The last name Wilkin is most common in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. While the exact origin of the name is uncertain, one popular theory suggests it is an Anglo-Saxon derivation of the personal name Wilkin, or Willa’s Kin.

The Wilkin surname is especially popular in the United Kingdom, where it is the 15,735th most common last name. Approximately 0.026% of the British population bears the name Wilkin. It also ranks fairly high in the United States, where it is the 2,805th most common last name. Approximately 0.0084% of Americans bear the Wilkin surname.

The Wilkin name is also present in Canada, where it is ranked as the 8,370th most popular last name. Approximately 0.0057% of the Canadian population has the Wilkin surname.

The Wilkin surname is also found in several other countries, most notably in South Africa, Ireland, and Australia. As of 2019, the Wilkin surname is the 7,885th most common last name in South Africa and the 18,990th most common in Ireland. The last name is also fairly popular in Australia, where it is the 3,160th most popular.

Regardless of where you go in the world, the Wilkin surname is likely to appear in some form or another. It is a testament to the lasting legacy of an age-old name that will continue to carry on into the future.

Variations of the surname Wilkin

The surname Wilkin has many possible variants, spellings and surnames related to the same origin.

Wilkin can be spelled in a variety of ways with a wide range of related surnames. The most common variants would be Wilkins, Willkins, Wilken, Wilkens, Wilkenn, Wilkerson, Wilke, Wilkie, Wilking, Wilkinso, Wilkinsen, Wilcoxon, Wilcoxson, and Wilkison. Additionally, some of the more rare variants include Wilkind, Wilkindt, Wilkeny, Wilkeshire, Wilkinland, Wilkensen, Wilkenstein, Wilkersonen, Wilkesley, Wilkidge and Wilkshire.

The origin of the surname Wilkin is English with Anglo-Saxon roots. The name Wilkin is derived from a medieval given name, Wilkyn; which was variations of the Old English names, Wilcwine and Wilcok. This given name was quite popular in the Middle Ages, and likely arose from an ancient Germanic tribe, the Wilisci, who inhabited the regions of Saxony, Bavaria, and Thuringia in the second century A.D. The original Germanic name simply meant ‘knowledge’ or ‘wise’. The surname Wilkin, as well as its many variants, are all ultimately derived from the same given name.

Therefore, the surname Wilkin has many variants, spellings and related surnames that all ultimately trace back to its same original origin.

Famous people with the name Wilkin

• Mark Wilkin, Canadian ice hockey player
• Craig Wilkin, New Zealand-born rugby footballer
• David Wilkin, British broadcaster, producer and director
• Jack Wilkin, English cricketer
• E.A. Wilkin, American Civil Engineer
• Eliza Wilkin, American actress
• Michael Wilkin, British-born Australian actor
• Barbara Wilkin, American singer-songwriter
• C.A. Wilkin, American industrialist and philanthropist
• Trey Wilkin, American professional basketball player
• Kaye Wilkin, American commercial photographer
• Willie Wilkin, American jazz drummer
• Leslie Wilkin, Canadian playwright and actor
• John Wilkin, American newspaper publisher
• Chester H. Wilkin, American politician
• Thomas S. Wilkin, American statesman
• Liz Wilkin, Australian artist
• David Iain Wilkin, British musician
• John Wilkin, British-born Australian actor
• Jim Wilkin, American singer-songwriter
• David Wilkin, British poet and Bible scholar
• Charles Wilkin, English clergyman
• Robert Wilkin, British pioneer aviator
• Fanny Wilkin, British-born Australian artist
• John Wilkin, English photographer.

Other surnames

WilkieWilkingWilkinsWilkinson