Surname Wigmann - Meaning and Origin
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Wigmann: What does the surname Wigmann mean?
The last name Wigmann is of German origin, coming from the Middle High German term ‘wigun’, which refers to a person who wore a wig. Thus, the literal meaning of Wigmann is ‘wig man’.
Its first recorded appearance was in 1450 in the city of Kempten located in Bavaria. Over time, this name spread and reached many countries belonging to the German empire, such as Austria and Prussia, before it finally became established in America.
Nowadays, the Wigmann surname continues to be associated with those who have German roots, although it can also be found among other European populations. Traditionally, it has been a familial name for those who love fashion, as it refers to the wearing of wigs as an accessory. On the other hand, some argue that it could also be related to the word ‘Wig’ meaning ‘war’ in old German.
Wigmann remains a popular surname throughout Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world. The current spellings include Weigman, Weygman, Wigmam, and Wigman. It can also be found as a given name, especially among German population.
Order DNA origin analysisWigmann: Where does the name Wigmann come from?
The last name Wigmann is most common in Germany and Austria today, and people with this name can be found all across Europe, from Denmark to Spain. Records indicate that the Wigmann surname is a variation of the Germanic name Wagner, meaning 'wagon-maker'. It is believed to have originated in the Bavarian region of Germany, specifically around the 11th century.
The name Wigmann has also spread to other parts of the world through migration, so today it can be found in places such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and even parts of South America.
Today, the name is quite common in Germany, comprising around 0.04 percent of the country's population. It is also popular in Austria, with an estimated 0.08 percent of the population bearing this surname. In the US, records from the US Census Bureau indicate that this name is somewhat less common, making up an estimated 0.004 percent of the population.
In addition to its prevalence as a surname, Wigmann can also be found in Germany as a given name. People bearing this name are typically well-educated, ambitious, and successful. As a result, Wigmann is often seen as a symbol of achievement.
Variations of the surname Wigmann
The surname Wigmann is typically of German origin and variations in spelling and alternative surnames with a similar origin include: Wigman, Wiegmann, Wieghmann, Verswigmann, Weigmann, Weigman, Wighman, Wigmanns, Wygmans, Wyghmans, Wygman, Wyghman, and Wieghman.
In some cases, the surname may even be recorded as Wigmam, Wigims, Wigmins, Wingman, Wingmann, Vanwygmans, and Vanwyghmans.
The surname has a variety of regional meanings and the original spelling has evolved over the years. For example, in some cases the surnames evolved from the Latin "wig" meaning "war" and "man" meaning "man" and can therefore be interpreted as “warrior” or “fighter.” Other regional interpretations include: servant of the temple, man from the wych elm tree, and, in some cases translated to mean “dweller at the white homestead.”
Most commonly, the surname Wigmann appears in census records in Germany and its associated regions, but the name also appears in Dutch and Belgian records and is believed to have been adopted by the Britsh Isles in the 17th century when it was anglicized as Wygman.
In the United States, the surname of Wigmann appears on record from Ohio by 1800 and is believed to be carried over from Pennsylvania German, as well as in records from Arkansas, Indiana, and Virginia.
Famous people with the name Wigmann
- Matthias Wigmann: German Actor and Comedian.
- Walton Wigmann: Retired Brigadier General in the United States Air Force.
- Guillaume Wigmann: French Canoeist.
- Justus Andreas Wigmann: German Astronomer.
- Hermann Wigand: German Godfather of Medieval Studies.
- Dale Wigman: American Politician and Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly.
- Ken Wigman: American Character Actor.
- Roger Wigman: British Chief of Mercury Records.
- Claude Wigman: Dutch Historian and Professor Emeritus of Medieval History.
- Anne Wigman: German Expressionist Dancer and Choreographer.