Surname Willkens - Meaning and Origin
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Willkens: What does the surname Willkens mean?
The last name Willkens is of German origin, derived from the German first name Willkhen, which is an old Germanic word meaning "will" or "determination", as well as "powerful" or "strong-willed". It is thought that the original Willkens family adopted this name to reflect the determination and strength of their ancestors.
Willkens is a fairly common family name; it can still be found in parts of Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. It is also present in the United States, mounting to about 1000 individuals with this surname. The highest concentrations of the Willkens family name in the US are in states such as Pennsylvania, New York, and Wisconsin.
Today the name Willkens remains a sense of pride of those who bear it. People with this name often live up to the meaning and embody courage, strength of will and determination. It reflects not only a sense of belonging and connection to their past, but a sense of their own personal identity and willpower.
Order DNA origin analysisWillkens: Where does the name Willkens come from?
The last name Willkens is most commonly found in Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Denmark. Willkens is a surname that is derived from the given name Wilken. Wilken is a Germanic given name that translates to “resolute protector.” The surname Willkens is most popular in Germany and is estimated to be held by around 1,500 people. The name appears to be most numerous in the states of Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in the north of Germany.
In Sweden, Willkens is estimated to be held by around 300 people with most of them residing in the countries two largest cities of Stockholm and Gothenburg. This name appears to be relatively new in Sweden as the 1900 census does not record many individuals bearing the surname Willkens.
In the Netherlands, the name Willkens is estimated to be held by around 500 people in the country. The surname appears to be most numerous in the provinces of South Holland and North Brabant. Similarly, in Denmark, the surname is estimated to be held by around 300 people with most of them living in the capital city of Copenhagen.
Overall, Willkens is most common in Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
Variations of the surname Willkens
The surname Willkens has its origin in the Dutch language. It is an occupational surname that derived from the Dutch word ‘wilmeeken’, which means ‘valley dweller’. It is a habitational name for someone from any of the various places named Willen in Germany and the Netherlands. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin are as follows:
Willkin, Wilkenson, Willkinsohn, Wilkerson, Willkens, Wilkensson, Willkinson, Wilkinson, Wilkers, Wilks, Wilkey, Wilkie, Willkes, Willkinns, and Wilkins.
The surname Willkens is more commonly found in the United States, where it is often spelled Wilkin or Wilkins. Wilkin is a variant of the original Dutch spelling, and is mainly found in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Wilkins is the most commonly used spelling of the name in the United States. The first recorded Wilkins in America was John Wilkin, who arrived in Virginia in 1637.
Willkinson is another variant spelling of Willkens found in the United States, and Wilkie is the spelling used in Scotland. Wilkers is sometimes found in Germany, while Willkes is a spelling found in the Netherlands.
The surname Willkens is found all over the world and is not exclusive to any region. It is from an occupational name that refers to valley dwellers and is derived from the German and Dutch languages. Variants of the name as well as its spelling and surnames of the same origin are Willkin, Wilkenson, Willkinsohn, Wilkerson, Willkens, Wilkensson, Willkinson, Wilkinson, Wilkers, Wilks, Wilkey, Wilkie, Willkes, Willkinns, and Wilkins.
Famous people with the name Willkens
- Samantha Willkens: Famous American R&B singer-songwriter, actress, and model.
- Isabella Willkens: Famous Dutch TV and radio personality best known for her varied works in several genres.
- Don Willkens: Famous American businessman and former Chairman and CEO of Hewlett Packard.
- Eric Willkens: Famous German mathematician and professor of mathematics at the Technical University of Berlin.
- Liam Willkens: Famous British actor best known for his roles in films such as 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' and 'Alice in Wonderland'.
- Lindsey Willkens: Famous American professional tennis player ranking among the top singles female players in the world.
- Sebastian Willkens: Famous Austrian physicist and science lecturer who delivered famous lectures on the principles of quantum mechanics.
- Adrienne Willkens: Famous Canadian astronaut and member of the fourth international ISS expedition.
- Harry Willkens: Famous English poet known for his beautiful compositions and ballads.
- Steve Willkens: Famous American jazz guitarist who was intensely influential on the jazz industry.