Surname Wichard - Meaning and Origin
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Wichard: What does the surname Wichard mean?
The last name Wichard is believed to originate from German and Dutch cultures. It is thought to come from words meaning “strong warrior” or “guardian.”
The prefix “Wic-” is thought to be derived from the old Germanic term Wîk, meaning “warrior” or “guardian.” The suffix “-ard” is believed to be from the old Germanic term hardu, meaning “hard” or “strong.” Taken together, the name can be roughly translated as “strong warrior” or “guardian.”
It is believed that the last name Wichard originated in Germany, where it was first used by the medieval ruling class as a title of personal distinction. The surname was then adopted by other German families as a surname and eventually spread to other parts of Europe, including the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.
In modern times, the surname Wichard is used to represent a variety of different families, including those from Germanic, Dutch, and British cultures. As the surname has a long and established history across Europe and beyond, its meaning and origin are likely to continue to be the subject of discussion and debate.
Order DNA origin analysisWichard: Where does the name Wichard come from?
The last name Wichard is most commonly found in the US today. The surname originated in the German state of Bavaria, and is recorded as dating back to the late 13th century, when families derived their surname from the ancestor they descended from.
In the US, the last name Wichard is most heavily concentrated in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin. As the German immigration to the US increased in the 19th century, so did the distribution of the last name Wichard throughout the country.
In the US today, social media platforms such as Facebook have made it easier to trace records of the name Wichard and how far it has spread. In the US, the most common spelling of the name is Wichard, and variations on the spelling include Wichards, Wickard, and Wickards.
Regardless of the spelling, there are many descendants of the last name Wichard in the US today. The US Census Bureau estimates that over 2000 individuals in the US bear the last name Wichard today.
Variations of the surname Wichard
The surname Wichard is believed to have originated in Germany. Variants of the name include Wichardt, Wickerd, Wickard, and Wyckard. Other surnames that are related to Wichard include Wichert, Wichar, Wickert, Wickardt, Wycherd, and Wycherdy.
The surname Wichard is derived from the Germanic personal name Wicbert meaning “powerful warrior”. It may have originated as a nickname for a brave and powerful person. The earliest papers recording the name date back to the 13th century, when Wichardt of Bremen appears in documents from the Hanseatic League.
In the United States, the spelling of Wichard has changed over time. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the name was spelled in various ways, including Wickard, Wyckard, Wickert, Wichert, Wycherd, and Wycherdy. By the mid-19th century, the spelling was predominantly Wickard or Wyckard.
Wichard is also a common surname in countries such as England, France, Scotland, and Germany. Variants of the name Wichard include Wichardt, Wickerd, Wickard, and Wyckard.
The surname Wichard has become a popular name in modern times. In the United States, the name is found in various states, including Texas, California, Arizona, and Illinois. The name is also found in other parts of the world, such as Canada, England, and Germany.
Famous people with the name Wichard
- Robert Wichard: German actor who has been in films such as Ocean's Twelve, The Reader, and Goodbye, Lenin!
- Theodore Wichard: American actor who has appeared on television shows such as NCIS, NYPD Blue, and Dexter.
- Jenny Wichard: German tennis player who was a Wimbledon finalist in 1975.
- Erik Wichard: German footballer who played for clubs such as Stuttgart, Freiburg, and Union Berlin.
- Christian Wichard: French actor who has been in films such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, The King's Speech, and Inglorious Basterds.
- Tony Wichard: Belgian writer and poet, best known for his novel The Green Room.
- Bert Wichard: Dutch composer and conductor who was a student of composer Carl Orff.
- Juergen Wichard: German musician and singer who released several albums throughout the 1990s.
- Bill Wichard: American comedian and actor who appeared on shows such as The Joke's On You, The Tonight Show, and Mad TV.
- Ric Wichard: British actor who has appeared in films such as The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, and The Prestige.