Surname Widekind - Meaning and Origin
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Widekind: What does the surname Widekind mean?
The last name Widekind is likely a Germanic surname of the Middle Ages. It is a derivative of the German occupational name "wedeke," which can mean a weaver or tailor. A version of the name was most likely given to a family who was descended from a weaver or tailor. The modern variants of the name would be Wiedekind, Wedekind, and Widberg in Germany.
The surname Widekind also carries a spiritual significance. In some parts of Germany, village priests were called Wiedekinds, which ultimately came from the Latin phrase "benedictus qui venit," meaning "blessed who comes." This phrase was then translated into the German equivalent, "Gelobt sei der, der da kommt," from which the term Wiedekind was derived.
Widekind may also have geographical origins, stemming from "Wide Kind," which is German for "broad estate." This term likely referred to a certain family or group of people living on an estate.
Overall, it is difficult to accurately trace the exact origins of the last name Widekind. What is certain is that it is a Germanic surname that has both spiritual and geographical significance.
Order DNA origin analysisWidekind: Where does the name Widekind come from?
The last name Widekind is most commonly found today in areas of Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, Ukraine, and Russia.
Widekind is a fairly uncommon surname with only about 500 to 2000 people around the world currently bearing it. Researchers have found that Widekind is likely an ethnic Polish surname derived from a German nickname. The literal translation of Widekind is “broad-hearted” making it a descriptive name likely given to a person that was known for their generous spirit.
Given the origin of the name, it is likely that the majority of individuals with the surname Widekind descend from Polish nobility. Documentation from church records in Poland suggests that the surname was used as early as the late 16th century.
Widekind is also often spelled with alternative capitalizations such as Widykent and Widekend and various permutations such as Vykend, Wykend, Wykind, and Widikend.
Despite its somewhat limited spread, the origin of the name Widekind is a fascinating one and lends itself to a rich and colorful history. It may not be a particularly common name in the modern age, but the backstory behind it is certainly worth learning more about.
Variations of the surname Widekind
The surname Widekind is most likely of German origin and it may have several different spellings, variant forms, and/or associated surnames. Some of these variant forms include Widkind, Widkund, Widecund, Weakind, Weakkund, Wiedekind, Widegund, Weykand, and Wichekind.
The most common alternative form of this surname is Widkind or Widkund, which originated as a topographic name, derived from either a combination of the German words 'wiede' which means 'meadow' and 'kind' which means 'child', or from the German word 'wiken' which means 'to bend'.
The variant Weakind is also derived from the combination of the words 'wiede' and 'kind', however the 'ea' in this case indicates a reduced form of the original. Similarly, the variant Weakkund is derived from the combination of 'wiede' and 'kund' which is an archaic form of 'kind'.
The Widegund alternative form of this surname originated as a habitational name and it is derived from either of the German words 'wiede' and 'gunt' (meaning 'meadow') or from the combining of the German words 'wiede' and 'keund' which means 'clearing'.
The Wiedekind alternative form of this surname is derived from the combining of the German words 'wiede' and 'kind', however in this case the alternative spelling of 'eide' is present.
The Weykand variant of this surname originated as a topographic name, and it is derived from the combination of German words 'wiede' and 'kant' meaning 'meadow' and 'edge'. Finally, the Wichekind variant of this surname is derived from the combining of German words 'wicede' and 'kind'.
Famous people with the name Widekind
- Brigitte Widemann: German painter, sculptor and performance artist.
- Carl Widemann: German architect and academic designer.
- Fabian Widemann: German professional soccer player.
- Martin Widemann: German businessman and member of the executive board of the Siemens AG.
- Robert Widemann: German politician and member of the Christian Democratic Union.
- Stephen Widemann: American actor and a Prinze Jr. award winner.
- Werner Widemann: German politician and former regional chairman of the Christian Social Union.
- Wilhelm Widemann: German painter and graphic artist.
- Wolfgang Widemann: German physicist and professor emeritus at the Technical University of Munich.
- Albrecht Widemann: German theologian, preacher, professor and author.