Surname Wilmar - Meaning and Origin
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Wilmar: What does the surname Wilmar mean?
The last name Wilmar is a patronymic surname of German origin. This surname is derived from the personal name Wilhelm, which in turn came from the Germanic elements wil meaning “will or desire” and helm, meaning “helmet” or “protection”. The name can be translated to mean “protector of the will”.
The Wilmar family was once a part of the German ruling class, with individuals holding important positions within society. In the 17th century, some members of the family were important politicians, theologians, and military figures.
The Wilmar family was spread throughout Europe during the migration period, with records of families in Germany, England, and the Netherlands. In such locations, individuals of this surname became farmers and laborers over the centuries, making a living off the land.
In modern times, the Wilmar surname has undergone many variations in spelling such as Wilm, Wilmer, Wilmers, and Wilmersen. It is most commonly found in the United States and Canada, usually in families that first emigrated there from Germany. In addition, Wilmar is a common last name in countries like Norway and Sweden.
Order DNA origin analysisWilmar: Where does the name Wilmar come from?
The last name Wilmar is most common in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands today. Wilmar is believed to be a Germanic name derived from the personal name Willemar, which is composed of two elements. The first element, “wil,” derives from the Germanic element “wil,” meaning “desire,” as well as “protection.” The second element, “mar,” is derived from the Germanic element “mar,” meaning “famous.” Therefore, the meaning behind the last name Wilmar is generally believed to mean “famous protector.”
Aside from Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, the last name Wilmar is quite uncommon in other parts of the world. However, between 2000 and 2020, the last name Wilmar saw increases in popularity in the United States, as well as in some parts of Scandinavia. Although it is not overly common, the last name Wilmar is not as rare as some other last names.
In addition, many people in the United States and other countries may have the last name Wilmar because of both direct and indirect familial connections to Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, where the name is most prominent. Thus, it is possible that the last name Wilmar may gain even more traction in other countries in the future.
Variations of the surname Wilmar
The surname Wilmar can take many different forms, due to discrepencies between languages and nationalities. It can also be spelled Wilmer, Wilmur or Wolmar. It is also known as Wilmari in Finland and Wilmars in Belgium. Other spellings from other parts of Europe and the United States including Wilmaer, Wilmerr, Wilmera, Wilmara, Wilmarsa, Wilmersa, Wilmurr, Wilmura, Wilmursa, Wilmarra and Wilmarr. In Poland and Russia, the surname Wejmar is also seen.
Wilmar is a predominantly a German name, derived from the personal name Wilheim or Wilhelm, meaning 'Desire for Protection'. This name was borne by many nobles and royalty across Europe, particularly Germany, Finland, and Belgium in the Middle Ages. As such, Wilmar can be seen as a shortened form of this name meaning 'He who desires protection', with added suffixes such as -er and -a. It is believed that the origin of this surname dates back as far as the Middle Ages, when there was a great demand for protection, especially among the ruling classes of Europeans nations.
Additionally, Wilmar has been frequently seen in the United States since the early days of immigration. In early American records, the spelling of Wilmar was often anglicized to Wilmer or Wilmar, making it easier to pronounce for American settlers. This surname has been especially prominent in the Southern United States, with several notable Wilmar families residing in the states of North and South Carolina, Florida and Georgia.
Today, Wilmar is a well-known surname throughout Europe and the United States, with many individuals of German, Polish, Russian, Finnish and Belgian descent sharing this name.
Famous people with the name Wilmar
- Alexander Wilmar: A Russian decorative artist, who is most known for his book, ‘The Decorative Arts of Russia’, that describes the rich heritage of Russian decorative arts.
- Max Wilmar: born Max Nico Wilmar, is a Mexican-Finnish singer-songwriter and music producer, with a single to his name, 'Easy Does It'
- Paul Wilmarth: An American actor who has appeared in the TV shows 'Mad Men', 'Charmed', 'NCIS' and 'Criminal Minds'.
- Oskar Wilmar: A Swedish actor, best known for his roles in 'Storm', 'Avicii: Stories', and 'Bonus Family'.
- Oscar Wilmar: A Swedish-born Norwegian actor, best known for his performance in the Norwegian film 'Brent av frost'.
- Robert Wilmar: An American actor best known for appearing in the TV series 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend' and 'The Big Bang Theory'.
- William Wilmar: A British actor who has appeared in 'Sense and Sensibility', 'The Duchess', and 'The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement'.
- David Wilmar: A Brazilian actor who has appeared in the films 'Cidade de Deus' and 'Tropa de Elite', as well as in the Brazilian soap-opera 'Malhação'.
- Ian Wilmar: A Scottish actor who has appeared in the films 'The Last Kingdom', 'Bend It Like Beckham', and 'The Missing'.
- Bruno Wilmar: A Brazilian football player, best known for his time in the teams Santos and Fluminense.