Surname Wilges - Meaning and Origin

Wilges: What does the surname Wilges mean?

The last name Wilges is generally believed to be of Germanic origin, with the surname derived from the Middle High German ‘wilge’, meaning ‘willow tree’. It is believed that the earliest settlers with this name may have taken root as a result of their habitation close to or on land where willow trees grew. In some cases, a person may have been given the nickname ‘Wilge’, meaning ‘willow tree’, based on their occupation or a habit, and eventually, the nickname became a part of the family name.

As such, the Wilges surname can sometimes be associated with symbolism. Willow trees often represent strength, adaptability and encouragement, qualities associated with those who bear the name. The willow tree is also known to be able to bend and sway in any direction, even during strong winds - indeed, the name Wilges may also stand to represent someone’s ability to cope with any difficulty that may present itself, as well as displaying determination in the face of difficulties.

The Wilges name has been present in Europe since at least the 13th century, and is still found today in both Europe and North America. It is not a particularly common name, so those who bear it may feel a sense of special bond with others who still use the name, helping to continue its legacy into the future.

Wilges: Where does the name Wilges come from?

The last name Wilges is most commonly found in Germany today. Wilges is an old German name with origins in the areas of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Rhineland-Palatinate. It is particularly common in and around the larger cities of Berlin, Hamburg, Dresden, and Cologne.

The name is derived from the prehistoric Germanic noun Willo, meaning 'desire'. It has been in use in Germany since the Middle Ages, and various forms of the name are found in many German language records throughout the country from the 15th century onwards.

The name is well known across Germany and remains popular in certain parts of the country, where it is found among both the elderly and the younger generations. In some places, the name is now quite rare.

Although most of the Wilges are found in Germany, some people bearing the name have emigrated to other countries in Europe and also to the United States, Australia, and Canada. In the United States and Canada, the name can still be found in many cities, mostly among German-American and Canadian-German populations, respectively.

Variations of the surname Wilges

The Wilges surname is of German and Luxembourgish origin, and has multiple variant spellings and alternate surnames that originated from the same root. Wilges can also be found spelled Wilgis, Wilgesch or Wilgesh, and it is also sometimes spelled Wilkes.

Variants of the Wilges surname can be found in Germany, and across former German-speaking countries, such as Luxembourg, France, Poland, and Hungary. It can also be found in Jewish communities across Europe. Other variations of the surname include Wilgess, Wilgesse, Wilgesz, Wilgiesz, Wilgisch, Wilgiss, Wilgisch, Wilhaus, Wilhauß, Wilhems, and Wilhelms.

The surname Wilges is derived from the Germanic word "wilg," meaning willow, indicating that the family originated from a place near or associated with willow trees. This type of surname, known as a "topographic surname," is one of the oldest types of surnames and applies to a family that resided in, or was associated with the nearby landscape.

Many families with the Wilges surname emigrated to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Upon their arrival in America, some altered the spelling of their surname to Wilgis, Wilgesch, Wilgesh, Wilkes, Wilkeshen, or Wilks. Many also Anglicized their surnames to Will or Willes.

Due to intermarriages, the Wilges surname has become associated with many other surnames as well, such as Wilger, Wilgert, Wilgerth, Wilgoth, Wig, Wiggers, Wilgermann, and more.

Famous people with the name Wilges

• Marianne Wilges: AFL Women's Footballer who has played for the AFL NSW/ACT and Adelaide Crows in the AAP Women's competition since 2016.
• Helmut Wilges: German footballer who played in the Bundesliga from 1972 to 1980 for SSV Reutlingen and Karlsruher SC.
• Tracey Wilges: Australian volleyball player who played for the Australian national team from 2019 to 2021.
• Michael Wilges: German rower who competed in the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics.
• Karen Wilges: Australian para-equestrian who competed at the 2016 Summer Paralympics.
• Nick Wilges: Hollywood producer who executive produced the movie "Get Out" in 2017.
• Lisa Wilges: German singer-songwriter who has been a familiar face on the folk music scene since 2003.
• Nick Wilges: American artist and sculptor who works with a variety of materials including metal, plexiglass, and stone.
• Christian Wilges: German fashion designer who has been creating custom runway shows in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Sydney, Beijing, and throughout Europe since 1996.
• Robert Wilges: Canadian author and former professor of economics who wrote the nonfiction economics book "Thinking Like an Economist: The Essential Guide to Rational Decision Making" in 2020.

Other surnames

Wilgen