Surname Wiggemann - Meaning and Origin
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Wiggemann: What does the surname Wiggemann mean?
The last name Wiggemann is of German origin, and is an occupational surname derived from the term "wigge," meaning "to move back and forth." The term is referring to a job such as weaving or other work-intensive occupations. It is speculated that it was the name of an individual with a weaving related job. It is a common surname in southern Germany and among the German diaspora.
The surname is also found in East Prussia, Poland, and the Netherlands, which suggests the potential of an early medieval migration from the region. During the 19th century, immigrant surnames in the United States from this region include Wiggemann.
The German surname could also be derived from a nickname for someone who was considered "swaying," meaning not committed one way or another, was easily influenced, or simply that their family came from an area that had a swinging gate. The nickname is usually derived from the German words "wigge," meaning moving back and forth, or "wiggle," which is a variant of the same.
Overall, the last name Wiggemann has a multifaceted origin with multiple potential meanings. The surname is likely derived from an occupational name for a weaving job, related to movement back and forth, or a nickname due to someone's personality or characteristics. The surname is found in southern Germany, East Prussia, Poland, and the Netherlands, and is also common among German immigrants in the United States.
Order DNA origin analysisWiggemann: Where does the name Wiggemann come from?
The last name Wiggemann is most commonly found in Germany today. Records dating back to the 14th century indicate the surname first arose in German-speaking parts of the Holy Roman Empire. By the mid-1800s, Wiggemann could be found in every region of Germany from the North Sea to the Alps and within German-speaking communities in other parts of Europe. Today, it remains most heavily concentrated in northern Germany, especially Hamburg and Lower Saxony.
It is believed that the surname is derived from the Old German word Wigin which is a diminutive form of a name ending in -wig. This suggests that it was originally a name bestowed as an endearing nickname, most likely to someone small or young.
Since Germany is a major destination for immigrants from around the world, Wiggemann can also be encountered outside of its native country in countries like Austria, Switzerland, Canada, and the United States.
In the 21st century, the presence of the Wiggemann surname in Germany remains strong. Over 17,000 people bear the Wiggemann surname there and it is ranked the 812th most common surname in the country. In comparison, the corresponding rank of the surname in the United States is 15,655.
Variations of the surname Wiggemann
The surname Wiggemann is a patronymic name, originating in Germany. The name has quite a few variants and spellings, including Wiegemann, Wigemann, Wyrgeman, Wörgman, Wygleman, Wüchermann and Wigleman. Depending on the region in which the surname is used, the spelling might even be adapted further to Wögman and Wöggman. Variations of the surname also include the Dutch spelling Wiugman and Wügerman, as well as Wygema, Wiege, Wygre and Wiggen.
Additionally, there are numerous spelling variations in the Scandinavian languages. Examples are Weigum with the original Norwegian spelling Weigum and the Icelandic, Danish and Swedish spellings of Veigum and Vigum. Other possibilities of the same origin include Vygum, Veigmam, Vigman and Weigmmann.
The last names Wehrgman, Wehrman, Wehrmann, Wergermann, Wergerman, Wiegerman, Wiegman, Wiegmann, Wigerman and Wigarman are also derived from the name Wiggemann. This is likely due to the fact that German speakers used the suffix “-mann” as an occupational suffix which further evolved into these particular names.
Famous people with the name Wiggemann
- Werner Wigglemann: former German footballer who played for Borussia Dortmund and Hertha Berlin.
- Jürgen Wiggelemann: former German professional road bicycle racer.
- Max Flying Wiggemann: world champion professional wakeboarder.
- Dieter Wiggemann: German former cricketer who played for Germany.
- Heinz Wiggenmann: former Austrian footballer who played with Gloria Verlag Graz.
- Helmut Wiggemann: German football coach and former player.
- Sarah Wiggemann: German basketball player for the Basketball Löwen Braunschweig.
- Eric Wiggemann: German footballer who played with FC Schalke 04 and VfL Bochum.
- Ludwig Emanuel Wiggemann: German politician, senator for the city of Leipzig in the Prussian Landtag.
- Johann Wiggemann: German metallurgist and miner who studied metallurgy in the Upper Silesia area.