Surname von Willisen - Meaning and Origin

von Willisen: What does the surname von Willisen mean?

The last name von Willisen is of German origin and is a noble family surname. It was used by German royalty to indicate membership of a particular family line. This name is most likely derived from the German term “will”, meaning strong-willed. The name would have been indicative of the owners’ character, suggesting strength, determination and resilience.

The prefix von is sometimes used to distinguish members of a particular family or clan from others in the same city. It can also indicate that a noble family owned property in a certain area, giving them certain privileges.

The von Willisen family name is most commonly found in Germany and countries with German heritage. The family has roots dating back to the 13th century, and the original property of Landgut Willisen is located in southern Schleswig-Holstein.

The von Willisen family name is one steeped in tradition and deep historical roots. The people that bear this name are likely to be proud of their heritage and their family’s tenure in the area. The name gives a sense of loyalty, strength and determination, all qualities that many would associate with a great family name.

von Willisen: Where does the name von Willisen come from?

The last name von Willisen is mostly found across Central and Eastern Europe. In Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, the von Willisen surname is not uncommon. In addition, there are bearers of the name von Willisen who can be found in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and other parts of Europe. While it is unclear how long the von Willisen surname has been in existence, its geographical distribution throughout Central and Eastern Europe suggests that it has been around for quite some time.

Outside of Europe, the last name von Willisen has also been adopted by a number of individuals who have emigrated elsewhere in the world, including to the U.S., Canada, Australia, and South America. In the U.S. specifically, it is believed that the surname is most prevalent in the states of Texas, Washington, and California.

Overall, it appears that the von Willisen surname is quite common across Europe and the Americas. The last name von Willisen can be traced back to Europe, where it is still widely used, but has also made its way around the world and can be found in various corners of the globe.

Variations of the surname von Willisen

Von Willisen is an aristocratic family name originating from Germany. It is a German variant of the Dutch name Willemsen. The surname is common in the Low Countries, North Germany, and Denmark. It can also be found in parts of Poland and Scandinavia.

In Germany, variations of the surname include von Welsehn, von Wizelesen, and von Wilsen. Similarly, in Sweden, von Willisen may be spelled as von Willesson or von Wilsesson.

In the Netherlands, variants of the name include Willemsen, Wilsen, Wilmesen, Wilmessen, Wilmzen, Wilszesen, Wilszessemn, Wilszen, Wijsmesen, and Welszesem.

Due to differing versions of the surname, there are also several variants of the spelling without the 'von'. These include Willsen, Wijlsem, Wilsen, Welszen, and Welszer.

In further variations of the surname, spelling variants can introduce 'd' in place of the 'z', such as Willsdorf or Willsdorff. In some cases, the spelling has also been anglicized, resulting in Wilinson or Vilson.

Finally, it is also possible for the 'von' particle to be dropped completely. In that case, the name could be spelled as Willisen, Willesen, Willemsen, or Wilsen.

Famous people with the name von Willisen

• Baron Karl von Willisen was a Prussian statesman and general who served in the army of Alexander I of Russia during the early 19th century.
• Wilhelm von Willisen was a Prussian statesman and diplomat from Jever, Germany, who was a strong advocate of Prussian friendship with Russia.
• Count Ole von Willisen was an influential politician in Jever, Germany, during the 19th century. He was a key figure in Prussian politics and a close ally of the Prussian King Frederick William IV.
• Colonel George von Willisen was a German army officer who served in the Prussian army from 1810 to 1815 and was decorated for bravery.
• Pansy von Willisen was an American author and illustrator who wrote about a variety of topics related to the history of Europe.
• Baron Walter von Willisen was a Prussian diplomat who served the Prussian government during the early 19th century.
• Gustav von Willisen was a successful German industrialist who made his fortune in the textile industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Fritz von Willisen was a German sculptor and painter who was very active during the Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany.
• Liselotte von Willisen was a German actress who was active during the Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany.
• Vasilii von Willisen was a Russian diplomat and statesman during the early 19th century. He was a close friend of Alexander I of Russia and a significant influence on many diplomatic events.

Other surnames

von Willich