Surname Wigge - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Wigge: What does the surname Wigge mean?
The last name ‘Wigge’ is an old Norse, Scandinavian name derived from the Old Norse term ‘Vik’ which means ‘bay’ or ‘inlet’. It is believed that Wigge originated as a habitational name that was first borne by people who lived in or near a bay.
In the modern context, 'Wigge' can still denote a place of origin, since throughout the centuries its spelling has changed. In England, many variants of the name have emerged such as Wyght, Wight, Wicke and Wix.
The Wigge surname has been recorded in several ancient documents dating back to the medieval period of Germany. Coinage issued by Charles the Great in the late 8th century included the name in its Latinized form as ‘Wiggi’, which is the oldest known variant of the name.
In England, Wigge was recorded as a surname in the 11th century Domesday Book. Its use has continued to this day throughout Europe, North America and Australia.
Most people with the surname Wigge generally have a strong connection to their unique Germanic roots, with many of them having travelled throughout the continent in search of better opportunities. It is now a widespread family name, offering a sense of identity to all its bearers.
Order DNA origin analysisWigge: Where does the name Wigge come from?
The last name Wigge is quite rare today, but it is still found in small numbers around the world. It is most commonly found in Germany, particularly in the western part of the country. In fact, it was a relatively common name in the German states of Lower Saxony and Bavaria in the 1600s and 1700s. Additionally, there are people with the last name Wigge in other parts of Europe, such as Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, and in South Africa, Canada, and the United States.
The origin of this surname is uncertain, though it is thought to be either a German toponymic name derived from a place called Wigge (or some variation thereof) or a nickname from the Low German and Middle German terms wigge or wiggen, which mean ‘grain’ or 'wheat'. As with many surnames, the spelling of the surname has changed over time; the spelling variants Wigge, Wiege, Wiggen, and Wiggel can all be found in the various countries where the name is found.
The number of people carrying the last name Wigge is slowly declining; however, the name is still found in small numbers around the world. As with many surnames, its origins and history provide an interesting glimpse into the past.
Variations of the surname Wigge
The surname Wigge is of German origin from the Middle High German word wigge meaning “shallow” or “small”. The word may have also been derived from Wiede, which is an archaic form of Wieden, meaning to forest. It is believed that the name originated as a nickname for a slender or small person.
Variations of Wigge include Wigg, Wygge and Wygges. These variations are more commonly found in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Other surnames that are associated with the Wigge surname or have similar roots are the surnames of Wig, Wiegen, Wiegers, Wiege, Wiggers, Wager, Weigel, Weigold, Wigen, Wigman, Weigmann, Weigmannsegg, Weigelt, Wiegandt, Wiggen, Wiggenhausen, and Wigger.
There are also many spellings of the surname Wigge, such as Wiig, Wygg, Wyggens, Wiggens, Wigens,view Wieges, Wyges, Wygges, Wigges, Wyggs, Weiggs, Wygge, Wigge, Weegge, Wegg, Wiggie, and Wiggi.
The origin of the Wigge name is rooted in German culture, but it is still seen in various parts of the world. Whether one has Wigge, Wygge, Weigge, or another variation, these surnames can be linked back to a German ancestor.
Famous people with the name Wigge
- Musician Harold Wigge: known for his collaborations with Lionel Richie and his work with the Lionel Richie Band.
- Footballer and coach Uli Wigge: former manager of VfL Wolfsburg, FC Schalke 04 and Arminia Bielefeld.
- Actor Michael Wigge: star of the hit German TV show "Auf da Straße des Erfolgs" (On the Street of Success).
- Comedian Tom Wigge: regular contributor to the German radio/TV show "Neues aus der Anstalt" (News from the Institution).
- Politician Klaus Wigge: former deputy leader of the Lower Saxony Christian Social Union party.
- Sci-fi/Fantasy novelist Mark Wigge: author of the bestselling series "The Batalies of K'Tharun".
- Painter Harald Wigge: known for his bright, colorful abstract works.
- Crime novelist Peter Wigge: author of the Berlin crime trilogy "Hängematten" (Hammocks).
- Ministry official Wolfgang Wigge: former state secretary of the German Ministry of Reviews.
- Eco-warrior Natalya Wigge: winner of the 2019 global photography competition dedicated to battling climate change.