Surname Weikmann - Meaning and Origin
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Weikmann: What does the surname Weikmann mean?
The last name Weikmann is of German origin and is recorded in the spellings of Weikman, Weikmann, Wickman, and Wickmann. Its earliest known ancestor is believed to be a certain Johann Weikmann, who began his life in Germany in the mid-seventeenth century.
The surname Weikmann, along with its variants, is derived from the Middle High German term ‘weichman', which literally translates to ‘gentleman’ or ‘free man’. This in turn is derived from the Old High German ‘wīch', meaning ‘protection’ or ‘defense’. By extension, the name would be used to indicate a person who is a lord or guardian of a village or estate.
The original homeland of the Weikmanns is the North German regions of Hesse and Thuringia. It’s believed the family made their way to the United States shortly after the American Revolution. They were likely recruited to serve in the military for their professional knowledge and capabilities in military technology.
Today, the name Weikmann is used mainly as a surname, but there are some instances of it being used as a given name. The name stands to represent someone who is a protector, defender and is willing to put their words into action. It can be seen as an honorable name befitting a strong, resolute man or woman who stands up for their beliefs and for those unable to do so.
Order DNA origin analysisWeikmann: Where does the name Weikmann come from?
Today, the last name Weikmann is mostly found in Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Scandinavia. It is a German surname derived from the Middle High German terms “weich” and “mann,” which together mean “guardian of the house.” The popularity of the name has been on the decline since the mid-20th century.
In Germany, the name is most commonly found in the western parts, particularly the regions of Hesse and Schleswig-Holstein. In the Netherlands, it is mostly found in the southern provinces of North Brabant and Limburg. In the Danish region of Syddanmark, Weikmann is also more frequently occurring. The few instances of Weikmann in Scandinavia are primarily concentrated in Sweden and Norway.
The name is less common outside these areas, though a few Weikmanns can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and France. Today, there are roughly 2,000 people with the last name Weikmann registered in Germany, and around 200 each in the Netherlands and Denmark.
Given the declining popularity of the name, it is likely that the Weikmann family line will become increasingly fragmented and spread out across the world. This is likely to mean that the last name will be losing its connection to its German origins, and may even become extinct in the future.
Variations of the surname Weikmann
Weikmann has a number of variant spellings and alternative surnames that come from the same origin. These variants include Weichert, Weichard, Weishardt, Weischardt, Weichardt, Wiethert, Wietherdt, Wiethardt, Weingard and Weinkard. The surname Weikmann is a German name, derived from the German root “Wei” which means “will” or “desire”. Thus, the name Weikmann is gleaned as the “one who wills.”
Weischard and Weichard are patronymic variants of the Weikmann surname, meaning “son of Weik.” The surname Weichert is another variant spelling, meaning either “protection” or “watchman.” The name Weishardt is a combination of the German root “Weih,” meaning “consecrated” and “hard” meaning “brave.” This surname is derived as the “consecrated brave one.”
The surname Weingard is derived as the “wine guard” or the “one who protects the wine.” The surname Wiethardt is derived from the German root “Widu,” meaning “wood” and “hard” meaning brave, thus the “brave one of the woods.” The surname Wiethert is derived from the German root “Weider” meaning “fence” thus the “one who guards the fence.” The surname Weinkard is related to Weingard, meaning “wine guard” or “one who protects the wine.”
There is also the surname Wietherdt, which is derived either from the German root “Wet” meaning “forest” or “Wey” meaning “marsh” and the root “Hert” meaning “bright.” This name is translated as the “bright one of the forest” or “bright one of the marsh.” All of these surnames have the Weikmann root, and bear common and related meanings of “wills,” “protection,” “watchman,” “brave,” and “guard.”
Famous people with the name Weikmann
- Christopher Weikmann, founder of the Weikbridge Group LLC.
- Samuel Weikmann, American actor who has starred in movies and TV shows like My Best Friend's Girl, Brows Held High, and NCIS.
- Fred Weikmann, US Army Veteran who received the Purple Heart in the Vietnam War.
- Kurt Weikmann, the world record holder for exercises using the Weikmann Sporadiometer.
- Mike Weikmann, a popular musician who is the frontman of the punk band Bury Me Drunk.
- Sarina Weikmann, astrophysicist who researches the creation of stars.
- Mathilde Weikmann, renowned costume designer who has worked for some of the world’s biggest fashion houses.
- Sarah Weikmann, renowned pastry chef and restaurateur who runs the acclaimed Weikmann Patisserie.
- Emma Weikmann, award-winning film director who is known for her experimental cinematography.
- David Weikmann, American professional skateboarder who has been featured in multiple skateboarding magazines.