Surname von Wille - Meaning and Origin
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von Wille: What does the surname von Wille mean?
The last name von Wille is a German surname derived from the old Germanic given name Willi, which is related to the name William. This surname is thought to have originated with the noble families of medieval Germany. It was a way to indicate a direct descendent of a family line with perhaps royalty or a noble pedigree.
The name Wille refers to the Medieval German custom of adding the suffix -wille or -vile to distinguish a lineage at the head of the family. This suffix indicates that that a given famly was a vassal of nobility - a tenant of a calll holding land from a higher authority.
In addition, the von Wille surname was used to differentiate between members by taking a family name and adding the preffix von, which usually refers to a "nobleman or person of noble birth." The von was used to distinguish someone of notable standing in the Middle Ages and to mark them out within their community.
The von Wille surname is still used today across Europe and is often shortened to just a "Wille" or "Von." It may refer to the original noble descent or could be the adopted surname of a descendant of a meek but honourable person. The von Wille name denotes a standing of higher honour than most and often means a holding a prestigious place in the society.
Order DNA origin analysisvon Wille: Where does the name von Wille come from?
The last name von Wille is most commonly found in Germany today. The von Wille surname originates from German aristocratic families, and it is even claimed that it dates back to the twelfth century. The von Wille family were originally landed nobility, and have held peerage titles such as Count, Prince, Duke, and Baron. Over the centuries, the von Wille family became one of the most influential houses in Germany, owning large tracts of land, and becoming patrons of the arts, with many influential members of the family becoming renowned musicians, artists, and patrons of the church.
Today, members of the von Wille family are primarily found in Germany, although there are a few spread around the world. There is a von Wille family in the United States, living in California, and there is also a well-known von Wille living in Brazil. As with other aristocratic families, their influence and power may have diminished, but the von Wille name still carries a long and prestigious history.
Variations of the surname von Wille
Von Wille is a German surname. The original spelling of the surname is Wille. Variants and spellings of the same origin include Willeh, Willey, and Willeen.
The surname is derived from a medieval nickname used for a person who came from Wille, a village near Bremen, Germany. As such, upon migration to other countries, the surname was adapted to match those countries’ language and spelling conventions. Therefore, alternate spellings of the surname include Willinger, Willman, Willings, Wils, and Wilz.
The von Wille surname was also changed occasionally to regional and occupational surnames when members of the family moved to new locations or adopted a new profession. European variants of the family name include Velner, de Wileden, Willmann, Willemann, Valle, de Ville, and de Weiden.
Due to migration to many countries over the course of centuries, there are numerous surnames with the same origin. Variants in the United States include: Voll, Wilhelmi, Willman, Villeneuve, de Wileden, Weller, and Welter. Variants in Australia include Willmot, Willmott, Willat, Williment, Willen, and Villedon. Variants in South Africa include Veller, Viljoen, and Villiers.
Although von Wille is a relatively uncommon surname, there are multiple variants and spellings of the same origin. As such, individuals and families of this surname can trace their lineage and discover their shared history.
Famous people with the name von Wille
- Prince Alex-Eddy von Wille: German prince from the Royal House of Lippe.
- Fernando von Wille: EU ambassador representing Germany and Spain, as well as the European Guide and Scout Movement (FSE).
- Victoria von Wille: German-born American photographer and journalist.
- Johannes von Wille: German historian, a professor at the University of Cologne and leading specialist in late medieval studies.
- Karl Philipp von Wille: German landscape painter and graphic artist.
- Gottfried Internickel von Wille: German politician who served as a Representative of Rhineland-Palatinate in the Bundestag from 1989–1998.
- Klaus von Wille: German car racer, winner of the DMV 5-Hour Race at the Nürburgring in 1966.
- Heinrich von Wille: German poet and writer, primarily known for his dramas.
- Angelica von Wille: German stage actress, film actress, director, and screenwriter.
- Count Anton II von Wille: German prince and heir of the House of Lippe.