Surname Wiik - Meaning and Origin
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Wiik: What does the surname Wiik mean?
The last name Wiik is of Scandinavian origin, specifically Norwegian. The name is derived from the Old Norse term 'vík' which translates to 'bay' or 'inlet'. It was often adopted as a surname by those who lived near or by a bay or cove. It reflects Scandinavian culture and society's intimate relationship with the sea. Therefore, the surname Wiik has a geographic connotation, representing a family's location or origin, a common trait in Nordic surnames. With immigrants spreading across the world, the surname is now found in countries beyond Scandinavia, such as the United States and Canada. In order to fit better linguistically with the English language, variations of the name have emerged, including Wick or Vik. Regardless of the spelling, the surname carries with it a nod to the past, giving descendants an enduring link back to their Scandinavian roots.
Order DNA origin analysisWiik: Where does the name Wiik come from?
The surname Wiik is most commonly found in the Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. It is believed to have originated in Scandinavia, with the first recorded mention in Sweden in 1717. It is not overly common outside of Scandinavia, where it is still one of the more popular surnames. In Sweden, the surname ranks 124th among the most popular Swedish surnames. In Norway it is the 460th most common surname, and in Finland it is the 490th most popular name. Outside of Scandinavia, the surname Wiik is rare. It is most commonly found in the United States among Scandinavian-Americans. It is estimated that there are fewer than 2,000 people in the United States with the surname. There are also scattered examples of the name in Canada and Australia, indicating a small but present Scandinavian expat population.
Variations of the surname Wiik
The surname Wiik (or Wik) is of Norwegian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse word "Vík" which translates to "inlet" or "bay". The surname is spread throughout modern-day Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Denmark, and Sweden.
The variant spellings of Wiik include Vik, Wik, Wyk, Wikk, and Wijk. Other surnames of the same origin include Vige, Vickers, Wiker, Wijkström, Wikholm, Wikman, Wikström, and Wicklund.
In Norway, the surname is primarily concentrated near the capital city of Oslo and is most commonly used by those living in coastal regions. In Sweden, the surname is found mostly in the southern region of the country. In Denmark, it is found mainly in the cities of Aarhus and Copenhagen.
Wiik is an uncommon surname and can also be a nickname for some families. Those who were known for having a bay-like feature in their homes or near their homes can be called Wiik as well.
It is believed that the main origin of the Wiik surname began with the Viking age, as many people during that time had settled around coastal areas in Scandinavia. The surname has been passed down through the generations since then.
Famous people with the name Wiik
- John Wiik: An American basketball player who has played both NCAA and ABA games.
- Chris Wiik: A Canadian ice hockey player who won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009.
- Bill Wiik: A Norwegian curler who won a bronze medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
- Oskar Wiik: A Norwegian figure skater who became a six-time national champion.
- Fredrik Wiik: A Norwegian ski jumper who won the silver medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
- Brendan Wiik: A Canadian soccer player who won a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
- Marie Wiik: A Norwegian visual artist known for her large-scale sculptures and installations.
- Peder Wiik: A Norwegian photographic artist whose work has been exhibited in galleries around the world.
- Kai Wiik: A Norwegian alpine skier, two-time World Championship competitor, and FIS World Cup champion.
- Magnus Wiik: A Norwegian jazz musician who has released several critically acclaimed albums.