Surname de Wilde - Meaning and Origin
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de Wilde: What does the surname de Wilde mean?
The last name de Wilde is a French origin surname meaning “from the wilderness” or “wild” in English. It was originally used as a toponymic surname, which is a name derived from the place of origin of the person or family bearing it. This particular surname may have been derived from areas outside the normal boundaries of a village or town, such as wilderness.
The de Wilde surname is an old aristocratic name, popular in Europe in the early days of Christian Europe in the Middle Ages. This name could have been given to someone bearing characteristics of a fierce warrior and hunter, expressing valor and strength of character.
These days, the de Wilde surname is most associated with the talented Belgian family of 19th century writers and art collectors, largely due to its rising popularity in the Netherlands beginning in the 18th century. It’s an honored name that’s still seen in many parts of Europe, from France to Belgium to the Netherlands.
The de Wilde surname is very much a part of European history and culture, and has been passed down from generation to generation for hundreds of years. This venerable name is steeped in tradition and strength, embodying courage, strength and honor.
Order DNA origin analysisde Wilde: Where does the name de Wilde come from?
The last name de Wilde is most common today in the Netherlands and some nearby countries, such as Belgium and Germany. It has been suggested that the family originally originated in what is now the German state of Schleswig-Holstein in the Middle Ages.
Traditionally, the surname was associated with the Dutch nobility, and it is still often found among the Dutch upper classes and wealthy. The name also appears in the Netherlands Antilles in the Caribbean, as the result of historical European colonisation of the area in the 17th century.
In general, the de Wilde surname can also be found more rarely in Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, England and France. It is particularly common in French-speaking areas. However, due to emigration it is also found scattered around the world in other countries, especially North America. The name can sometimes appear with various other spellings, including De Wilde, DeWilde and Wilde.
Variations of the surname de Wilde
The surname De Wilde is a patronymic surname, derived from a Francois le Wilde (son of Willelmus), who was registered in the town of Fitchoville, France in 1326. This surname has gone through many variations and spellings since then, the most common of which are:
De Wilde - This is the most common spelling of the surname, and is used by a majority of its bearers.
De Wild - This variant lacks the 'e' at the end, but it is still used by a small proportion of the population.
De Wildt - This version is more commonly used in the Netherlands and Germany.
DeVild - This shorter version of the surname is predominantly used in the United States and Canada.
Van der Wilde - This variant of the surname is sometimes used in place of the original De Wilde.
Wild - This is a simplified form of the original surname, and is more commonly used in places with Germanic roots.
Wilde - This is another simplified version of the name, although it is not as widely used as Wild.
Wylde - This variation can be found in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
Le Wilde - This variation of the surname is used primarily in France.
Wilder - This alternative spelling is prevalent in Southern and Eastern Europe.
Wylder - This version is found in Southern Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain.
Wildmann - This variation was used by the German-speaking population.
Vilde - This variant was used by people from Scandinavian countries.
Wilderstein - This German name literal translates to 'wild stone' and is a combination of the words 'wilde' and 'stein'.
Overall, there are many variations and spellings of the surname De Wilde, each of which has its own cultural and geographical connections. Despite the differences in spelling, they are all of the same origin and come from Francois le Wilde.
Famous people with the name de Wilde
- Maxime de Wilde: Belgian fashion model
- Eefje de Wilde: Dutch model and actress
- Dick de Wilde: Dutch film director
- Michaël de Wilde: Belgian football player
- Jef de Wilde: Dutch cycling coach
- Charlotte de Wilde: Belgium heptathlete and pentathlete
- Rens de Wilde: Belgian basketball player
- Gehard de Wilde: Dutch sculptor
- Olga de Wilde: Dutch table tennis champion
- Signe de Wilde: Danish actress