Surname Wilkemeyer - Meaning and Origin
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Wilkemeyer: What does the surname Wilkemeyer mean?
The last name Wilkemeyer is a Germanic name originating from the Low German language. It is derived from the combination of two words, “wilk”, meaning “clearing” and “meijer”, meaning “lord” or “lord of the Manor”. The Wilkemeijer family crest is typically adorned with the silhouette of a soaring eagle and the colors blazoned in its shield are often black and red.
In its early history the Wilkemeyer name may have been used to denote a family's role or position in their respective area. It is thought that the Wilkemeyer name was used to distinguish families who owned land and had political or economic power, namely those of the countryside or smaller townships. This title was also likely used to challenge or boost an individual's status in their respective society.
The Wilkemeyer name has remained prominent in Germany and other parts of Northern Europe. Many Wilkemeyers have achieved distinction both within their homeland and abroad. This list of individuals includes poets, writers, politicians, and inventors from Germany - a testament to the legacy of this esteemed family name.
Order DNA origin analysisWilkemeyer: Where does the name Wilkemeyer come from?
The last name Wilkemeyer is most commonly found in Germany. According to the World Names Profiler, the last name is currently most prevalent in Schleswig-Holstein, an area in the north of Germany, near the border with Denmark.
The World Names Profiler suggests that the density of notably higher in that area than anywhere else. The last name is also regularly seen in other northern German states such as Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Berlin. The last name Wilkemeyer can also be traced to Austria, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands.
Other areas in Europe where the Wilkemeyer name is common include parts of South-eastern Europe, including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Baltic countries. The last name is also present in several countries in Northern and Central Europe, including Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. The last name is also present in small numbers in some other regions, including Ireland, the UK, and Italy.
In the United States, the name is primarily concentrated in the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan, and other Midwestern states. It is less common in the other parts of the US.
The origin of the name Wilkemeyer is unknown, but it may be derived from one of the early Germanic tribes who settled in the region. The name may be a patronymic, derived from the male given name Wilke.
Variations of the surname Wilkemeyer
The surname Wilkemeyer has several different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Wilkmeyer, Wilkmeier, Wilkemaier, Wilkemayer, Wilkemair, Wilkemeyer, Wilkemeir, Wilkemeirer, Wilkmaier, Wilkmayer, Wilkmair, Wilkmeir, and Wilkmeirer.
Wilkmeyer is one of the most common variants of the surname Wilkemeyer, originally from the German language. It is derived from the personal names Wilk or Wilhelm and Mayer, a popular German surname derived from the Hebrew name Meir, which means “one who shines” or “one who illuminates”.
The spelling Wilkemair is another variant of Wilkemeyer and likely derived from the name Wilk and the German word “maire” which means mayor or magistrate. Thus, this spelling of Wilkemeyer indicates someone of a higher social standing who was a mayor or magistrate.
The spelling Wilkemeir is also of German origin and likely derived from the name Wilk and the cognate of the Hebrew name Meir, which means “one who shines” or “one who illuminates”.
The spelling Wilkemeirer is derived from the name Wilk and the suffix “er” which is commonly added to occupational surnames, and could refer to someone engaged in a trade associated with a mayor or magistrate.
The spelling Wilkmair is derived from the name Wilk and the German word “maire” which means mayor or magistrate. It is likely a variant of the spelling Wilkemair.
The spelling Wilkmayer is derived from the name Wilk and the German surname Mayer, a popular German surname derived from the Hebrew name Meir, which means “one who shines” or “one who illuminates”. This spelling is likely a variant of Wilkmeyer.
The spelling Wilkmeir is derived from the name Wilk and the cognate of the Hebrew name Meir, which means “one who shines” or “one who illuminates”. This spelling is likely a variant of Wilkemeir.
The spelling Wilkmeirer is derived from the name Wilk and the suffix “er” which is commonly added to occupational surnames, and could refer to someone engaged in a trade associated with a mayor or magistrate. This spelling is likely a variant of Wilkemeirer.
Famous people with the name Wilkemeyer
- Chris Wilkemeyer: Retired professional basketball player from the 1970s.
- Katerina Wilkemeyer: Australian TV presenter, actor, and author.
- Markus Wilkemeyer: German bobsledder and Olympic silver medalist.
- Stephanie Wilkemeyer: American singer and songwriter.
- Cara Wilkemeyer: Soccer player and coach.
- Jule Wilkemeyer: German figure skater and two-time Olympic bronze medalist.
- Erich Wilkemeyer: German World War II pilot.
- Luke Wilkemeyer: American professional wrestler and MMA fighter.
- Mario Wilkemeyer: Haitian footballer, former captain of the Haiti national team.
- Gene Wilkemeyer: Canadian media personality and former CFL player.