Surname Wilmsen - Meaning and Origin

Wilmsen: What does the surname Wilmsen mean?

The last name Wilmsen is of German origin and is derived from the German word ‘Willmens’, which means “to be determined” or “will power”. The surname is believed to date back to the 11th century, when it was derived from a root word meaning ‘to press hard’, suggesting a strong-willed and determined person. During the medieval period, Wilmsen’s were typically wealthy traders, merchants and landowners, which could explain the root word’s origin.

The name has evolved over the years, and there are some variations such as Wilmans, Willnecke, Willimann and Willcourse. These variations may have been adopted when immigrants came to the United States, and spelling variations were sometimes used depending on which region of the country the Wilmsen's settled in. For example, some Wilmsen's in the Midwest may have taken on a more Americanized version of the name, such as Willmens or Wilmans.

Today, the last name Wilmsen is most prominent in Germany, Austria, the United States, and Canada, although it continues to be used in many other countries around the world. The Wilmsen's that exist today are generally thought to be strong-willed, determined, and sometimes independent individuals, who strive diligently to reach their goals and dreams.

Wilmsen: Where does the name Wilmsen come from?

The last name Wilmsen is relatively uncommon throughout the world today, however it is more common in certain areas. It is particularly common in a few countries in Northern Europe, such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark. In Germany, the frequency of this surname is highest in the northwestern states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein. In the Netherlands, there are areas where it is most common such as Friesland, Overijssel, Gelderland, and Drenthe.

In the United States, the states with the most Wilmsen families are Texas, Colorado, and California, although the population is still quite small. Wilmsen is also found in Canada, mainly in British Columbia and Alberta.

Overall, Wilmsen is a relatively rare name, although it is more widespread in certain countries in Northern Europe due to its regional popularity.

Variations of the surname Wilmsen

The surname Wilmsen is of German origin, and its variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include:

Wilms: This variant spelling, which is pronounced "willms," is the most common alternate spelling of Wilmsen. It can also be found as Wilhelm, Wilhelmus, Wilhelmse, Wilhelmusse, Wilm, Wilme, Wilmes, Wilmesen, Wilms, Wilmse, Wilmsen, Wilmsey, Wilmsing, Willm, Willmse, and Willmson.

Wilhelm/Wilhelmus/Wilhelmusse: These surnames all have the same roots, but slightly different spellings. Wilhelm is the most common variant, and Wilhelmus and Wilhelmusse are less common.

Willems/Willemsen: This spelling of the surname is more commonly found amongst Dutch-speaking families. It also can be found as Willemse, Willimse, Willimsen, Willmesen, and Willisemen.

Willim/Willimse/Willimsen: This variant spelling is less common, but still seen within the German-speaking population. It is most commonly seen in northern Germany.

Willmesen/Willmson/Willmse: These variant spellings are seen more frequently in the United States, as immigrants from the German-speaking countries of Europe brought the Wilmsen surname with them to the United States.

Auschwitz: This spelling could be confused with the Wilmsen surname, but is actually derived from the name of the notorious Nazi concentration camp. It is not related to the Wilmsen family name at all.

Famous people with the name Wilmsen

• Paul Wilmsen (1876-1945), German architect and interior designer.
• Richard Wilmsen (1952: ), Dutch former footballer.
• Ronald Wilmsen (1958: ), Dutch former footballer.
• Joshua Wilmsen (1973: ), American actor, writer, and director.
• Hunter Wilmsen (1978: ), Australian actor.
• Jens Wilmsen (1983: ), German football coach and manager.
• Henning Wilmsen (1991: ), German actor.
• Peter Wilmsen (1953-2011), German guitarist and composer.
• Thomas Wilmsen (1963: ), German philosopher and theologian.
• Lena Wilmsen (1976: ), German TV presenter and announcer.
• Lena Wilmsen (1977: ), German journalist.
• Philipp Wilmsen (1980: ), German meteorologist and atmospheric scientist.
• Camilla Wilmsen (1981: ), Swedish documentary filmmaker.
• Eric Wilmsen (1989: ), Dutch footballer.
• Alexandra Wilmsen (1996: ), German model and fashion influencer.

Other surnames

WilmsWilmsmannWilmsmeierWilmsmeyer