Surname Wickerath - Meaning and Origin
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Wickerath: What does the surname Wickerath mean?
The surname Wickerath is an anglicised form of the German surname Wickerath. It originates from Lower Saxony in northern Germany and is derived from the Old High German word "wicker," meaning "twig" or "corner," combined with the Old High German word "rath," meaning "counsel." The name was likely first assumed by someone who lived in a place named Wickerath, or someone who advised in the local council.
The surname Wickerath is also found in other Germanic-speaking regions such as the Netherlands, Austria, and Switzerland. It can also be found in surrounding countries such as Denmark, Norway, and Hungary. It is a great example of a surname that has withstood the test of time and has probably been traceable back to medieval times.
The Wickerath family has a great reputation in the areas where they originally originated, as many of the holders of this name have distinguished themselves in various fields. There have been many notable Wickeraths throughout the years, including politicians, soldiers, scientists, and art directors.
The Wickeraths are a proud and distinguished family, and their name continues to be used today. They are an example of how, over centuries, a name and its meanings can carry on through the generations, tied to the memory of the places and people who first adopted it.
Order DNA origin analysisWickerath: Where does the name Wickerath come from?
The last name Wickerath is not particularly common today, but it does occur in a few countries. In Germany, for example, more than 600 people have the name, concentrated mainly in the northern region of the country. In the Netherlands and Belgium, the name is also found, particularly in the south and east of the country. In Belgium, the name is spelled Wickerath instead of Wickerath.
Outside of Europe, the name is rare, but there are several Wickeraths located in the United States. In general, the majority of those with the name are concentrated on the East Coast, particularly in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.
In countries where the name is common, its origin can be traced back to German immigrants who arrived in the 19th century. In Germany, the name is derived from the words “wicken” meaning “to flex” and “rath” which means “right of counsel” and together, the name signifies a person who flexes their right of counsel.
Overall, the last name Wickerath is not a particularly common name, but it does appear in several countries. Most of the people who hold this name are traceable back to German immigrants who, over a century ago, gave their descendants the name for a reason that has become lost over time.
Variations of the surname Wickerath
The surname Wickerath could have a variety of original spellings and variants, as well as related names stemming from its origin. Different spellings include Wickernath, Wickersath, Wiggersath, Wiggersot, Wiggersth, Wiggiensath and Wieckenath. These are all interpretations of the early German spelling for the surname, which translates to “one who lives near a meadow” or “one who lives on a farm or in a meadow.”
The most popular variants and surnames connected to Wickerath, however, will be related to the given name ‘Wick’ or ‘Wicke’, including Wicking, Wickelt, Wickert, Wiggen, Wiggers and Wiggenstaf. These come from the Middle German nickname ‘Wick’ or ‘Wicke’, which was used to describe a battle-ready person or ‘man of action’.
The name Wickerath is associated with several towns located in Germany and Austria, including Wickerath in Saxony-Anhalt, Wichern in Thuringia, Wiggershausen in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Wickel in Baden-Württemberg. Families with the Wickerath surname are likely to have originated in one of those locations, or descended from individuals of that region.
Famous people with the name Wickerath
- Gary Wickerath: an American cartoonist and illustrator.
- Ernie Wickerath: former professional football player.
- Bill Wickerath: a professional golfer.
- Mia Wickerath: a professional wrestler.
- Mark Wickerath: commencement speaker, advocate for philanthropy, and author.
- John Wickerath: retired Major League Baseball player.
- Geert Wickerath: an actor and writer.
- Robert Wickerath: an animation director and production designer.
- David Wickerath: former Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Daniel Wickerath: radioactive waste management specialist.
- Roland Wickerath: author, prominent figure in the promotion of the German language and literature.
- Ursula Wickerath: a champion figure skater.
- Mark Wickerath: former mayor of Berlin.
- Anneliese Wickerath: an archaeologist and researcher.
- Lukas Wickerath: a German dream-pop solo artist.
Other surnames
Comments or additions to the name "Wickerath"
22.01.2024
I was told by a German Wickerath that the name was once Wickrath, a person from the area around the town and castle of the same name, Wickrath. The e was added some time in the 13th century, as dome felt it “softened” the pronunciation! As was the case for many European surnames, many of the first people taking the surname Wickerath were not likely related, but simply from the same area, and some kept the German term “von” preceding the surname, literally meaning “from Wickrath”, such as Johan von Wickrath.