Surname Wickersheim - Meaning and Origin
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Wickersheim: What does the surname Wickersheim mean?
The surname Wickersheim is of German origin. It is derived from the Old High German word 'wicco' meaning 'bought', 'purchased', 'stolen' or 'alien'. This usually denotes that the bearer of the surname was either a merchant, a thief, or an immigrant. It is likely that the original bearer of the name was a merchant or a person who gained his wealth through mercantile activity, such as trading or banking.
The name Wickersheim can also have some religious association, as the word 'wicco' is derived from the Latin term 'vicus', which means 'temple'. This suggests that the original bearer of the name may have been a priest or some other religious figure.
The most common form of the surname found today is Wickersheim, which is similarly spelt in English and German. It is found mainly in the southern parts of Germany, and amongst immigrants to the United States. Variations of the name include Wickersheim, Wickerson, Wickers and Wickes.
The use of the surname Wickersheim in the United States increased greatly during the Industrial Revolution, when immigrants from Germany were drawn to the country's growing cities. It is no surprise that the name Wickersheim is still used today, as it continues to be a good occupational and social identifier.
Order DNA origin analysisWickersheim: Where does the name Wickersheim come from?
The Wickersheim surname is a German name and is thought to have originated in the Rhine region of Germany, likely in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. It is quite an uncommon name today, even in Germany, and is mostly associated today with the American Midwest, particularly Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. Its prevalence in the United States likely derives from German immigrants who settled in these areas during the 1800s.
The majority of individuals with the Wickersheim surname still reside in Wisconsin, where, according to the 2020 US Census, there were 539 citizens with the name. Illinois is home to 300 citizens with the surname. Minnesota has the third-largest population of Wickersheims, numbering 188 people. Other states including California, Iowa, and Kansas are home to smaller populations of Wickersheims.
Outside of the US, there is a much smaller but still present population of Wickersheims, living in countries such as Canada, France, Brazil, and Germany. In Germany, Wickersheims still hold a presence within their ancestral home, although they make up a very small portion of the population. In Brazil, the Wickersheim name has likely been adopted by descendants of German emigrants.
It cannot be affirmed conclusively how the Wickersheim surname has spread around the world, but it is clear that the majority of its population today lies in the United States, mainly across the Midwest.
Variations of the surname Wickersheim
The surname Wickersheim is of German origin and dates back to the Middle Ages. There are several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include: Weikersheim, Wiciannsheim, Wickensheimer, Wyckersheim, Wickersheimi, Wiggersheim, Joukersheim, Wykersheim, Wykesheim, and Wikkersheim.
The spelling of the surnames has varied significantly over time. Even within families, the spelling of the surname could differ substantially. Variations in spelling were often caused by an ancestor's different dialects and phonetic manner of speaking. Clerks and other civil servants often changed the spelling of names which they deemed difficult to read, write, or pronounce. This created many different versions of the same surname over generations.
The surname Wickersheim is derived from a combination of two elements: a personal name, Wigger, and the German word heim, meaning home or village. Originally, the surname was a reference to a person who lived in or near a villa named after Wigger. The surname therefore indicated a person’s residence by name, a practice that was common in the Middle Ages.
Today, the surname Wickersheim is commonly found in Germany and other German-speaking countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein. It is also relevant in North America, with sizable populations in the United States and Canada.
The spellings and surnames of the same origin are testament to a centuries-old family history that will continue to pass on through the generations.
Famous people with the name Wickersheim
- Monte Wickersham: Former head football coach at Auburn University.
- John Wickersham: Military Officer in the United States Army who served notably during the American Civil War.
- James Wickersham: United States congressional delegate for Alaska.
- Christopher Wickersham: Governor of Pennsylvania from 1883 to 1887.
- Alexander Wickersham: Naval aviator who served in the United States Navy during World War II.
- Henry Wickersham: Judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, nominated by President Benjamin Harrison.
- Frank Wickersham: United States Army officer during World War I.
- Charles Wickersham: United States Senator from Nevada.
- Tom Wickersham: Former professional baseball outfielder and National Football League player.
- Betty Wickersham: American actress who made appearances in numerous films and television series.