Surname Wibbe - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Wibbe: What does the surname Wibbe mean?
The last name Wibbe is of German origin and is believed to be a shortened form of the German name Wiebke. This surname is generally found in the northwest part of Germany, particularly in the regions of Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony.
The earliest recorded use of the name dates back to the 14th century, when a man surnamed Wibbe is mentioned in documents from Schleswig-Holstein. It seems likely that the surname was brought to the region by Norse settlers from Scandinavia. The name translates to 'feeble', or 'wounded', suggesting that the original bearer of the name bore a physical affliction. This of course may not be true - it could be a case of a term being used colloquially to describe a certain character trait.
Today, the surname Wibbe is still relatively common in northern Germany, though not as widespread as other German surnames such as Müller or Schneider. Those bearing the surname today can trace their lineage back to the early settlers of the region, and can feel proud to have such an enduring and unique history.
Order DNA origin analysisWibbe: Where does the name Wibbe come from?
The last name Wibbe can be found most commonly in the northern parts of Germany, with its highest density being in the northern-most state of Schleswig-Holstein. This is quite typical, as many of the old German surnameorigins are believed to be linked to migration patterns in the middle ages.
Natives of Schleswig-Holstein will often see the name on official documents or in various population statistics. Further north into Denmark, which is neighbored by Schleswig-Holstein, the name is also present, albeit not quite as dense as its German counterpart.
The Wibbe name is also possible to find in various other parts of the world due to emigration from Germany, such as in the United States, Canada, South Africa and Australia. Depending on the locations in which the people bearing the Wibbe name have resided, local variants on the name may exist.
Another take on the density of the Wibbe name can also be seen in the presence of the name across the internet. When searching for the name, an increasing amount of webpages mentioning the name, such as genealogical websites or social media can be seen. It is thanks to this technology that it is possible to trace the presence and past movements of the people bearing that name from the comfort of one’s own home.
Variations of the surname Wibbe
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Wibbe are Wibe, Wippe, Wiebe, and Wibben. Wibe is the most commonly found spelling of this surname, though Wippe and Wiebe are also quite common variations. Wibben is the most rare.
The origin of the surname Wibbe is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated somewhere in Germany. It is speculated that it may be derived from the Middle Low German wibbe, which translates to mean a person who is happy and friendly. It is also possible that it could have been derived from a personal name, such as Wigbald, which means 'bold man'.
This surname is most commonly found in Germany, but it can be found in other European countries as well. It is particularly common in the Netherlands, and it is known to have spread to the United States, where it can be found in small to medium-sized towns and cities throughout the country.
The surnames Wibbe, Wibe, Wippe, Wiebe, and Wibben can all be assumed to have the same origin and be related in some way. Its exact origin is still not known, but it is clear that the surname is derived from either a personal name or a Middle Low German word. It is thought to have spread from Germany to other countries and locations, likely due to emigration or migration in the distant past.
Famous people with the name Wibbe
- Joe Wibbe: a former American football player who was an offensive guard in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1951 and 1952.
- Ahmad Jibril Wibbe: a Canadian cartoonist, author, and critic of comics and film. He is best known for his work on the monthly comic series Weapons of Mass Diplomacy.
- Brent Wibbe: a competitive golfer who was a former All-American at the University of Illinois. He had a successful career in professional golf including winning one PGA Tour tournament.
- Sophie Wibbe: a German actress and theatre director who is known for roles in films such as Freundin für Tiere (2015), Drei Zimmer/ Küche/ Bad (2008) and Der Vater meiner besten Freundin (2007).
- Manchester Wibbe: a Swiss footballer who was a midfielder and forward for the teams FC Basel, Sion, Xamax and FC Wil.
- Mathias Wibbe: a Danish theater composer and musician, known for his compositions for musical pieces such as Kongens Fald, Spartacus and Thysus og Kybele.
- John Wibbe: a former American football defensive lineman and coach in the National Football League. He served as an assistant coach for the Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Ernie Wibbe: an American illustrator, painter, and sculptor who is best known for his watercolor paintings of landscapes and animals.
- Eva Wibbe: a German actress known for performances in films such as Nachtgestalten (1992), Die Unberührbare (2000) and Die fetten Jahre sind vorbei (2004).
- Jeanne Wibbe: a French actress, known for her work in productions such as La 3ème île (2020), Holiday (2015) and Le Voleur de Sable (2011).