Surname Wedekamp - Meaning and Origin

Wedekamp: What does the surname Wedekamp mean?

Wedekamp is a German surname derived from the Old Germanic personal name "Wadi-kamp", which is composed of two elements. The first element, "Wadi" comes from the Germanic word "Wodo", meaning “wood” or “forest”, while the second element, "Kamp", is derived from the Germanic word "Kampf" which means “conflict” or “struggle”. Thus, the name Wedekamp is roughly translated to mean “Forest Conflict”.

This German surname occurs mainly in the North Rhine-Westphalia region which is the most populous state of Germany. This area was known for its abundant forests and LIebgau which was an important division that was used to map the Medieval Germanic Empire.

The Wedekamp family were migrants during the middle ages and established themselves in England and other parts of Europe. The name Wedekamp is sometimes altered and is found in variant forms like Wedekom and Wedekon, as well as Wedekemp and Wedekampf.

The Wedekamps were originally foresters or members of the hunting guild. They hunted wild boars, deer, and other animals and would sometimes engage in competitive hunting contests. The Wedekamps were also known for being builders and would often build bridges and structures in order to help local communities with access and transport across rivers or other impassable terrains.

Today, the Wedekamps have dispersed to many parts of the world, and have become a widespread family name. This name can often be seen in various records and documents dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The Wedekamp family is known for its traditional values, hardworking spirit, and strength of character.

Wedekamp: Where does the name Wedekamp come from?

The last name Wedekamp is a Dutch surname which is common in many parts of the world today. In the Netherlands, there are still many Wedekamps living in different regions of the country, with a concentration around the northern and central areas. However, the population density is highest in the city of Rotterdam. The name has also spread around the world, including to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, where it is relatively uncommon but has experienced considerable growth in recent years. In some of those countries, Wedekamps can be found particularly in larger cities such as New York, London, Toronto, and Vancouver.

In addition, many Wedekamps are found in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. In South Africa, the name is highly concentrated in the Western Cape province. This is likely due to the fact that the diaspora of Dutch immigrants to this region was significant during the 19th century. Meanwhile, the Wedekamp population of Australia and New Zealand is likely a result of the migration of Dutch people during the 20th century.

Overall, the geographic spread of the last name Wedekamp is certainly diverse. Despite this, much of the population density is still concentrated in the Netherlands and the countries of the former Dutch empire, such as South Africa.

Variations of the surname Wedekamp

Wedekamp is a Dutch surname originating from the Old Dutch word “wedekamp”, meaning battle field or war camp. The spelling of the surname can vary depending on the local dialect, including Wedekemp, Wedicamp, Weddekemp, Wedekam, Wedecamp or Wedekempt. Surnames with similar etymologies, such as Wedemeyer, Wedeking and Wedeling, have also been recorded in Germany and some other parts of Central Europe.

Wedekamp can also be used as a given name, as for example “Hendrik Wedekamp”, which was recorded in the Dutch Reformed Church records of Kloetinge and Kamperland in 1644.

In the Netherlands, Wedekamp is usually followed by another name, such as van den Wedekamp or Ten Wedekamp, which were recorded in Amsterdam Friesland and Groenlo in 1658. There is also a variant of Wedekamp, De Wedekamp, found in Galmaarden in 1654, and Vranken Wedekamp, recorded in Scherpenzeel in 1690.

In some records, Wedekamp has been documented with a “v”, as in Vwedekamp or Vredekamp, as seen in a 1549 record from North Burgundy. It is also likely the case that Wedekamp has also been used as a nickname, as for example “Janneke Wedekamp” who was recorded in 1718 in Houten, Overijssel.

The Wedekamp surname is also well represented in the United States, where it is most commonly found in Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Kansas.

In total, there is evidence of over 40 different forms of the Wedekamp surname and its variants, which demonstrates its long history and geographical reach.

Famous people with the name Wedekamp

• Gary Wedekamp: Gary Wedekamp is a former Major League Baseball player who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians, and San Francisco Giants between 1973 and 1981.
• Piet Wedekamp: Piet Wedekamp was a Dutch Olympic field hockey player.
• Billy Wedekamp: Billy Wedekamp is a German football player who currently plays for Werder Bremen.
• Corinne Wedekamp: Corinne Wedekamp is a German former figure skater who competed in ice dance.
• Jens Wedekamp: Jens Wedekamp is a former East German biathlete who won three medals at the Winter Olympics, one of which was a bronze in the 4 x 7.5 km relay at the 1992 games.
• Thomas Wedekamp: Thomas Wedekamp is a former American television director, producer, and writer.
• Ralf Wedekamp: Ralf Wedekamp is an Olympic luger from Germany who competed at the 2006 Winter Olympics and won a bronze medal in the men's singles event.
• Heinz Wedekamp: Heinz Wedekamp is a German former basketball player who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics and won a bronze medal in the men's basketball event.
• Friederich Wedekamp: Friederich Wedekamp is a German long track speed skater and coach who competed at the 1968 and 1972 Winter Olympics and won a bronze medal at the 1972 games in the 1500 m speed skating event.
• Martin Wedekamp: Martin Wedekamp is a former professional American football player who played for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League.

Other surnames

WedekaemperWedekammWedekämper