Surname Want - Meaning and Origin
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Want: What does the surname Want mean?
The surname Want is believed to have Germanic origins and is thought to be related to the Old English words ‘weall’ and ‘wanta’, which both mean ‘wall’. It is likely that the surname Want was given to those who lived near or worked with stone walls, or even to those who were involved in the construction of walls. An individual with the surname Want could also have been someone who traveled a great deal - the name could refer to someone who ‘wants’ to be somewhere else.
Alternatively, the surname Want could come from the Old French word ‘want’, which means ‘lacking’ or ‘missing’. This suggests that the surname Want was given to someone who was in need of something or who was missing something. It is possible that the holder of this surname was a person whose family had lost their home, or someone who was missing a loved one.
No matter the origin, the surname Want is now a widespread surname throughout Europe, particularly in countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany. It is likely that the surname Want has been handed down for generations, and today, many people carry this name with pride.
Order DNA origin analysisWant: Where does the name Want come from?
The surname Want is of Dutch origin and can today be found predominantly in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and the United States. The surname Want is most frequently seen in the Netherlands, where it is also the 91st most common surname, and in Belgium where it is the 124th most common surname. In the United States, the last name Want is quite rare and can be found in much smaller numbers.
The Want surname is derived from a Dutch word meaning “desire.” It was originally adopted by those who desired something that was out of reach. The Progenitor of the Want surname was the young man Jacob Jan Want, who was born in 1720 in the small Dutch village of Fijnaart. He was the eldest son of his family and is the earliest known ancestor of all who bear the Want surname today.
The Want surname is associated with intelligence, capability, and ambition. People with this last name are believed to be highly capable, ambitious, and able to easily adjust to different situations. Those with the Want surname strive to make the world a better place through their charitable contributions.
These days, the Want surname is becoming increasingly rare. As a result, those who carry the Want surname are seen as part of one big family, showing admiration and loyalty to their ancestors who first brought the surname into existence.
Variations of the surname Want
Variants and spellings of the surname Want span across multiple language and spellings, including "Wante," "Van Wante" and "Wont." In English, the primary variant is Want, and is believed to derive from the Olde English "wa(e)nt," which is defined as one who is stubborn, strong-willed, and unwilling to back down. This surname likely originated as either an occupational name for a farmer, or as a nickname for someone with an obstinate personality.
The surname Want is derived from the same etmology as the surname Wante, which is a variant of the Dutch Van Wanten. In Dutch, the term "van" means of, or from. This surname likely refers to someone who was a descendant of the Van Wante family and carried the name as a point of pride.
The German variant, Wont, comes from the Old High German "wunt," which also means stubborn and strong willed. Often Wont can be found in areas with a German-speaking population still present today, as it still holds the same meaning in German.
Additionally, there is the Slovenian spelling of Want, and it is likely a variant of the surname Watne, which is derived from the Old Norse term "vatn," which translates to mean water. This shipping of the name originates from areas around rivers and was used to describe somebody living near water.
Overall, the variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Want span multiple languages and regions, speaking to the lasting meaning of the surname and the stories of the families that once held that name.
Famous people with the name Want
- Alex Want: Popular South African Singer and Songwriter
- Antoine Want: French Painter
- Evan Want: American Film and Music Video Producer
- Jeffrey Want: Canadian Science Fiction Writer
- John Want: British Businessman and Activist
- Marguerite Want: Dutch Painter
- Michael Want: Australian Politician
- Patrice Want: Canadian Entrepreneur
- Robert Want: English Church Musician
- Stephen Want: British Novelist and Playwright
- Susan Want: Swiss Printmaker
- Yvonne Want: Dutch Sculptor and Painter