Surname Wigand - Meaning and Origin

Wigand: What does the surname Wigand mean?

The last name Wigand is a German name which originates from the Old German word wigant meaning 'fighter' or 'hero'. This last name is said to have been adopted by a medieval warrior, whose bravery and strength earned him the title "Wigant". This surname would have first been found in the area east of the Rhine, which so happens to border Germany.

The name Wigand could be a patronymic surname, which means it is formed by the addition of a prefix or suffix to a personal name to indicate its origin or owner. It could originate from a father's name and would have developed initially when last names first began to be used. The use of surnames became common during medieval times, so it is likely that the name Wigand was a name of a noble family who acquired the name due to its reputation of heroism.

The meaning of the last name Wigand is still relevant today and is very fitting of someone who strives for success and shows strength and courage in the face of challenges. It is a name which continues to be passed down through generations, with many people of that surname proudly bearing its meaning in the present day.

Wigand: Where does the name Wigand come from?

The last name Wigand is of German origins, but is relatively rare across the world today. The most common location where it is found today is in Germany, particularly the states of Saxony and Bavaria. It is also found in other Germanic countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein as well as in north and northeastern Europe,primarily in countries such as Denmark and Estonia. In addition, the family name can also be found in smaller numbers in the United States, Canada, Israel, Australia, and South Africa.

In Germany, Wigand is the 64th most common last name and can trace its origins back to the Old Germanic name Gundiwich, which is comprised of the words Gundi (battle) and Wic (residence). Over time, the spelling of the last name evolved and was eventually standardized as Wigand. This surname was often associated with nobility and was likely adopted by families who held a higher status in society.

Today, the last name Wigand is rare, but can be found in certain areas of Germany, Europe, the United States, Canada, Israel, Australia, and South Africa.

Variations of the surname Wigand

The surname Wigand is derived from the Germanic personal name Wigand, which means "fighting" or "work". It is also a variation of the Old Norse name Vígandi. This surname is found in many variants and spellings, including Wigandt, Wiegand, Wiegant, Weigant, Wigandi, Wiggand, and Wiggen.

In many parts of Europe, Wigand has become an established name, with many different spellings and variations. In Germany, there are variations such as Wiegandt, Wiegant, and Weigant, while in Poland the spelling is usually Wigandi or Wiggand. Other spellings have also been seen in Nordic countries such as Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, such as Wigant and Wiggen.

In the United States, the Wigand surname is most commonly found in its anglicized variant, Wiegand. Other variants such as Wigand, Wiegandi, and Wiggand can also be seen in rare instances. Many of these variants may be the result of immigrants adapting their surname to the new country and language they found themselves in.

In England, the spelling of the surname is usually Wigand, but shorter versions such as Wiggan may also be seen. It has been suggested that in the past, many variants of the surname may have been shortened for easier pronunciation.

The Wigand surname has been associated with many notable figures in history. A few of the most prominent are U.S. Army officer Robert H. Wigand, English composer Arthur Wigand, German engineer Paul Wigand, and American Olympic gold medalist Jon Wigand.

Famous people with the name Wigand

• Christian Wigand: German hurdler
• Jeffrey Wigand: American public health advocate, whistle-blower, and author
• Bruce Wigand: American military veteran and Medal of Honor recipient
• Wally Wigand: American Major League baseball pitcher
• Margaret Wigand: German dressmaker and art collector
• Albert Wigand: German professional racing cyclist
• Vida Wigand: American artist, photographer and civil rights activist
• Bob Wigand: American game show announcer
• Mark Wigand: American psychologist and author
• Kay Wigand: American tennis and squash player
• Paul Wigand: German sprint canoeist
• Jonathan Wigand: American educator, author, and journalist
• Hartmut Wigand: German television director
• Rebecca Wigand: Australian doctor and medical entrepreneur
• Imogen Wigand: British theatre professional and financial educator
• Stephan Wigand: German executive and business analyst
• David Wigand: American musician and composer
• Helge Wigand: German actor, TV presenter, and recording artist
• Suzanna Wigand: British soap opera writer and producer
• Caroll-Ann Wigand: American zoologist and animal welfare advocate.

Other surnames

WigandtWigant