Surname Wild - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling My Ancestry: A Wild Journey into the Depths of My Surname's History and Culture with iGENEA DNA Test
The iGENEA DNA test has unveiled some intriguing insights into the history and cultural underpinnings of my surname, Wild. Revealing a palpable connection to European roots; primarily linked to English and German tradition, the surname has surprising origins tied to personality traits, professions, and power. It's been an enlightening journey reflecting on the lives and experiences of my ancestors, truly making the past come alive.
L. Wild
read moreWild: What does the surname Wild mean?
The Wild surname has different origins and meanings depending on cultural and geographical contexts. In English, it appears to have derived from the pre 7th century Old English term "wilde", meaning 'untamed' or 'undisciplined'. It was often used as a nickname for individuals who displayed uninhibited, unrestrained, or untamed behavior. On the other hand, in German-speaking nations, Wild could come from the Middle High German "wilde", which translates to 'hunter'. So, the surname might indicate an individual who was a hunter or trapper by profession. Alternatively, in some regions in England, Wild could be topographical, referring to someone living or working in an unruly, outlying, or uncultivated piece of land. As with any other surname, the specific origins and meanings can vary greatly across different families and regions.
Order DNA origin analysisWild: Where does the name Wild come from?
The last name Wild is most common in the United Kingdom and Germany, with smaller concentrations in Austria and Switzerland. In the United Kingdom, the name is particularly common in the East Midlands and Lancashire.
Within Germany, Wild is most often found in Bavaria, followed by Saxony, Baden-Wurttemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Berlin. The name is also widespread in Austria, especially in Vienna and Lower Austria.
In the United States, Wild is not as common as it is in Europe. However, there are notable concentrations of people with the last name in Pennsylvania and Indiana.
The English language surname originates from the early Middle Ages, typically appearing as ‘Wilde’ or ‘Wylde’. Its derivation comes from the Old English ‘wilde’, which was used to refer to someone who lived in the woods; such woods were often unpopulated and used as hunting grounds by Norman aristocracy. Later on, the surname was also adopted by those who worked in these hunting parks. It is also believed to have originated from a nickname for a person who was described as impetuous or fierce.
In modern times, the Wild surname has been made famous by an array of literary characters, including Captain Jack Wild of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan story. It has also been passed down through many generations of some of the oldest families in the United Kingdom, including the Irish Wildes.
Variations of the surname Wild
Wild is a common surname with many different spellings, variants, and names with the same origin. These spellings include Wildt, Wylde, Wilde, Wilt, Wilte, Wüld, Wüldt, and Vild. A variation of the name Wilte is Wülte or Wülte.
The variants of Wild include Wildheit, Wildschuetz, Wildburger, Wildemann, Wildegger, Willand, Wyland, Weland, Wirth, Wyss, Wyringer, and Wogand.
There have been numerous historical figures who have carried the Wild surname. Examples include German politician Karl Wild, Swiss writer Friedrich Wild, and Austrian actor Ernst Wild.
The Wild surname also can be found in places beyond western or central Europe, as it translates to several different languages. Variations of Wild have even been identified as far south as the Caribbean. In the US, Wild is most commonly associated with English, Dutch, and German descent.
It is believed that the earliest form of the Wild surname dates back to the moment when surnames first began to be used in Europe. The name Wild is thought to have originated from the Middle High German word wild, which means wild animal. This traditional Germanic surname was given to someone who was perceived as being courageous, aggressive, and brave.
In some cases, the Wild family name may also have derived from the pre-7th century words ‘wilda’ or ‘wilte’. In this case, the name was given to someone who was a wild boar hunter.
Today, the Wild surname is still widely dispersed throughout the world, and different spellings and variants of the same name continue to exist.
Famous people with the name Wild
- Martin Wild: Professional Golfer
- Chris Wild: Professional Footballer
- Eric Wild: semi-professional motorbike rider
- Christopher Wild: English actor
- Richard Wild: Professional Tennis Player
- William Wild: Former British Prime Minister
- Marshall Wild: Executive Chef
- Timothy Wild: Professional Hockey Player
- Ruth Wild: American Singer-songwriter
- Michael Wild: Professional Soccer Player
- Ann Wild: Former Australian Politician
- Robert Wild: English engineer and inventor
- Les Wild: Canadian actor
- Darin Wild: Country Music Singer and Songwriter
- Eleanor Wild: English Historian
- Douglas Wild: Director of Photography
- Barbara Wild: American Actress
- Charlie Wild: Professional Surfer
- Lisa Wild: Actress and Model
- Margie Wild: Comedy Writer and Performer