Surname Willerts - Meaning and Origin
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Willerts: What does the surname Willerts mean?
The last name Willerts is a German surname which originated in the early medieval period. The name is derived from the surname Willem, which is related to the Germanic name Wilhelm meaning ‘desire’ and ‘protector’. It is thought that the surname was originally given to one of the early ancestors of Willerts, who became known as the ‘Protector of the Will’ or ‘Master of the Will'.
Over the centuries, the surname has evolved into the more modern form of Willerts. It may also be seen in various spellings such as Wilka, Villeda, Willinger or Wilken.
The family is believed to have first originated in Germany and had spread across Europe by the eleventh century. During the medieval period many of the Willerts families journeyed to England and became part of the Anglo-Saxon ethnic group. By the 1600s Willerts had been established in other regions across Europe, such as Austria, the Netherlands and Scandinavia.
The Willerts family can be traced through its various branches since it first appeared, how it has stayed firm in many regions around the world and evolved into its modern version. The name stands for ‘desire’ and ‘protection’ and conveys a sense of strength, security and resilience. It signifies the heritage and family history of the Willerts.
Order DNA origin analysisWillerts: Where does the name Willerts come from?
The last name Willerts is quite common today, and it is found in a number of countries and cultures around the globe. The name is most commonly found in Germany, where it is among the top 1000 last names, as well as in Austria and the Netherlands. In addition, Willerts is also found in Denmark, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Scandinavian countries, the Czech Republic, and France. It's not as common in the United States, but it can still be found in some regions.
The origin of the name is believed to have derived from either the Latin verb willer, meaning “to be willing,” or from a German word meaning “fort” or “clearing.” It is also believed to be a combination of two other German names, “Wille” and “Ert.”
Today, the last name Willerts is most frequently found in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. It is not overly common in the United States, but it can still be found in some regions. With its roots originating in Europe, the name Willerts is both distinctive and recognizable.
Variations of the surname Willerts
The Willerts surname is of Germanic origin and typically derives from the first name Wilhelm (William). Spellings and variations of the surname include Willert, Willet, Willertz, Willertes, Willers, Willetz, Willets, Willetts, Willetz, Wilar, Wilers, Willersdorfer, Wilish, Gillert, Willerich and Wilich.
Variants of the Willerts surname can also be found in countries outside of Germany. For example, the Dutch surname Wilters can be associated with the Willerts surname due to its derivation from the Germanic name Wilhelm, as well the Norwegian surname Wiltersen which originated in the province Vågå in Norway from the old Norwegian name Viljar.
Variants of the Willerts surname can also be found in Jewish communities. One example is the Slavic surname Wilers which is derived from the root Wilhem, as is the surname Wohlleiter (“good leader”).
As the Willerts surname has a long history, it is likely to have numerous derivatives and spellings which may not be immediately apparent. Other variants of the surname may occur depending on the nationality or ethnicity of the family or individual.
Famous people with the name Willerts
- Clifford Willerts: an American television actor who acted in several TV shows such as “Head of the Class” and “My Two Dads”
- Iwan G. Willerts: a Dutch artist well-known for his patinated bronze sculptures
- Corina Willerts: a German author who has written several books such as “Der Täufer Matthias” and “Wegbereiter des Wandels”
- Maxwell Willerts: a Canadian-born musician and composer who has composed music for films, television series, and video games
- Willem Willerts: a Dutch businessman and wine collector who founded the Willems Collection, the oldest known private wine collection in the Netherlands
- William Willerts: an American aircraft designer who worked with the Northrop Corporation and designed several military aircraft, including the F-5 Freedom Fighter
- Klaus Willerts: an German airline executive and CEO of Lufthansa who led the company from 1983 to 1994
- Andrea Willerts: a German contemporary artist known for her unique multi-media installations and sculptures
- John Willerts: an American film producer and director who has produced several award-winning films including “Saving Private Ryan”, “Gladiator”, and “The Aviator”
- Carl Willerts: a German theatre director and actor who was the founding director of the Köln Schauspielhaus, the oldest drama theatre in Germany