Surname Wichmann - Meaning and Origin

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Embarking on a self-discovery journey with the iGENEA DNA test, I opened a Pandora's box of my ancestral story entwined with my surname, Wichmann. The revelations were not just about my rich lineage but also facilitated global connections with others sharing the Wichmann surname.

V. Wichmann

Wichmann: What does the surname Wichmann mean?

The last name Wichmann is a Germanic patronymic surname derived from the given name Wichmann, and signifies “son of Wichmann”. This name was first found in the region of Thuringia, located in central Germany, and is believed to have originated there. In the Middle Ages, it was common practice to use a patronymic last name based on the name of a father or ancestor, and the name Wichmann comes from the Germanic given name which is believed to come from the Old High German name Wichelm.

During the Middle Ages, those with the last name Wichmann were often skilled farmers or craftsmen who worked with their hands, such as carpenters, masons, or machinists. They were also prominent members of their local community, taking part in social, political, and religious activities. The Wichmann family was known for being highly educated and often held respected positions as judges, mayors, and members of the ruling elite in their local communities.

The Wichmann surname and its variations are fairly uncommon and not widely spread. Today, the last name is limited mainly to Germany, Austria, and other German-speaking countries. There are also some people with the surname who have emigrated to the United States, Canada, Australia, and other places in Europe.

In modern times, the Wichmann name has come to symbolize success, patriotism, and education. It is a name that stands for strength, resilience, and perseverance and the courage to face any adversity.

Wichmann: Where does the name Wichmann come from?

The last name Wichmann is a surname commonly found in Germany as well as countries in the Germanic and Slavic-speaking regions. It is derived from the personal name "Witchmar," which is the Old German version of "Voltmar." The earliest written record of the last name Wichmann is in the Saxon Rotuli Diplomatici in 1390. The earliest known bearer of the name is Dietricus filius Witchmanni, who is recorded in 1292 in Königsberg.

Today, the last name Wichmann is most prevalent in Germany. According to a study conducted in 2016, it is the 209th most common last name in Germany. It is also relatively common in Austria, where it is the 477th most common surname. Additionally, variants of the surname are found in Austria and Switzerland, including Wichman, Wichmans, and Wicmann.

The last name Wichmann is also found in other countries, most notably in the United States and Canada. In the United States, it is most common in the midwestern states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. It is also quite common in Canada, where it ranks as the 547th most common surname in the country. Additionally, it can be found in countries like Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and other parts of Europe.

Variations of the surname Wichmann

The surname Wichmann is of Germanic origin and has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. One of the most common variants is Wichtmann, which is a German surname derived from the root words “Wicht” meaning “confident” or “daring” and “mann” meaning “man”. Variants of this surname also include Wygmann, Wigman, Wigmann, Wigand, and Wiekman. The spelling variants of Wichmann vary according to different dialects of German and other languages but include Wychman, Wychmann, Wyckman, Wechman, Weckman, Weckmann, Weigmann, Wergmann, and Wochmann.

The same surnames can also be found with different spellings or prefixes in different countries, such as Vigman in France, Vukman in Serbia, Wichman in Holland, Weickmann in Austria, and Vigmans in Romania. In some cases, the name can even be written as a compound name, such as Weigand-Wichmann.

The Wichmann surname is also found in Anglo-American countries, such as England, Canada, and the United States. In these countries, the surname is often found spelled as Wickman, Wigman, or Wickmann. Variations of the same surname can also be found in Slavic countries, such as Vujman in Croatia, Vychman in Slovakia, and Vichman in Poland.

Overall, it is evident that the surname Wichmann has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin depending on the region and language.

Famous people with the name Wichmann

• Amy Wichmann: Amy is a singer-songwriter from Denver, Colorado. She has released numerous EPs and singles, blending soul, jazz, and folk music and has also written for several other artists.
• Al Wichmann: Al is a retired American businessman and the former Chief Executive Officer of Hughes Electronics Corporation. He is also a recipient of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s distinguished service award.
• Alfred Wichmann: Alfred is a German composer and organist who wrote a number of masterworks in the late Romantic period, as well as various smaller works for the piano. He is most well-known for his work "For eternity".
• Armin Wichmann: Armin is the Managing Director of the Environmental Investment Group which is a private investment company focused on environmentally-oriented projects.
• Bernd Wichmann: Bernd is a contemporary German artist known for his abstract compositions that draw on his training as a sculptor and painter. He also had a traveling retrospective exhibition in Berlin in 2018.
• Bill Wichmann: Bill is a comedian, writer, and producer who has been writing comedy since the age of fourteen. He is best known for his work on the BBC series Red Dwarf and he currently works in Los Angeles.
• Bruce Wichmann: Bruce is an American businessman and former CEO of Hitachi Data Systems. He has also received numerous awards, including being named one of the 25 most influential CEOs in America by Fortune Magazine in 2003.
• Carla Wichmann: Carla is a German actress and filmmaker who has appeared in films such as the 2008 drama Donau, Duna. In 2006, she also wrote and directed the short film Im Schatten (In the Shadow), which won several awards.
• Ernst Wichmann: Ernst was an East German politician and member of the Central Committee of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany. His political views and positions were opposed to those of East German leader Walter Ulbricht, leading to his dismissal from the party.
• Manfred Wichmann: Manfred is a German historian and emeritus professor at the University of Konstanz, where he specialized in the history of the Middle Ages. He is also the author of several books on the Middle Ages.

Other surnames

Wichman