Surname Wilsmann - Meaning and Origin
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Wilsmann: What does the surname Wilsmann mean?
The last name "Wilsmann" is of German origin. It is derived from the given name "Wille," which is derived from the Old French "Will" meaning "desire," as well as the suffix "-mann," which is used to denote a male individual.
The name likely originated during the Middle Ages when German villagers named their children after their parents' wishes and desires, rather than adopting surnames of English or Norman French origins. Although the original spelling of the name has since evolved to its current form, it has maintained its meaning throughout the centuries.
The earliest record of the name "Wilsmann" dates back to 1323 when a Hering Wilhousman was listed in the records of Oldenburg, Germany. Since then, the surname has spread throughout Europe and the rest of the world, with many variations emerging to include Wilmsen, Wilms, Wilzmann, and Wilsmann.
Ancient family records from the mid-15th century in Upper Saxony suggest that the family likely belonged to the lower class, as they were tied to the land they farmed or worked. This would indicate that the Wilsmanns had a long presence in Europe before they began traveling abroad.
Overall, the last name Wilsmann is reflective of a desire to better oneself, as well as a long and rich history. The name is still present today, in both Germany and countries around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisWilsmann: Where does the name Wilsmann come from?
The last name Wilsmann is most commonly found in Germany today. It is estimated that around 1,500 individuals carry this last name.
The origin of this last name is most likely German. It is a combination of two separate German words; 'wil' meaning 'desiring battle' and 'mann' which is a suffix included on many German last names roughly translating to 'man'. Combining the two, this last name is likely referring to a 'desiring battle man' or a warrior.
The earliest record of this last name was found in the town of Einbeck in the 1400s. Records show that many people bearing the last name Wilsmann were living and traveling through Germany, Austria and other nearby European countries throughout the years that followed.
Today, individuals with the last name Wilsmann are still found in Germany, but also in other counties throughout the world. These countries include the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Venezuela, South Africa, France and more.
Overall, the last name Wilsmann is not overly common, but it does have a significant presence in Germany and other countries around the world. It is likely that individuals with this last name will continue to scatter throughout the world in the coming years.
Variations of the surname Wilsmann
The surname Wilsmann has a few variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant is Wilshusen, which is mainly found in Northwest Germany, mostly in the Lower Lahn-Dillkreis area. Some other variants include Wilshausen, Wilshaus, Wilmagic, Wilmsmann, and Willeman.
In the United States, the spelling of Wilshusen was sometimes altered during the immigration process so it could be more easily pronounced. Some of the spellings that changed in the United States are Willhausen, Williehausen, Willehousen, Willamann, Willman, Willsman, Willmann, and Willeehand.
Some other surnames that evolved from Wilsmann include Wilshoosen, Wilsheisman, Wilshausen, Willeusen, Willsmann, Wilshuss, Wilshka, Wilskok, Wilseman, Wilmelman, Wilshoff, Wilshanson, Wilzmann, Willhemann, Wilmalt, Wilsmalt, Wilhemsen, Wilms, and Wilsholm.
The spelling variants of Wilsmann are thought to have been derived from the pre-medieval Low German language "Wilzmann", which is believed to mean 'villager', 'mountaineer', or 'woodsman'. The surname appears to have been mainly adopted by those who were residents of rural farming regions.
In addition to these variants, Wilsmann can also be translated to the spelling Wilzmann in Dutch or Willmann in English. In some regions, the surname can also be roughly translated to "desire of man".
Famous people with the name Wilsmann
- Cédric Wilsmann: Cédric Wilsmann is a French actor who starred in films such as "Adieu Berthe" (2012) and "Deux jours, une nuit" (2014).
- Siegfried Wilsmann: Siegfried Wilsmann was a German First World War flying ace credited with seventeen aerial victories in the span of four months. He was awarded the Pour le Mérite for his valor and courage in combat.
- Hermann Wilsmann: Hermann Wilsmann was a German engineer, best known for inventing and developing the Blohm & Voss Bv 140, which was a low-wing two-seater aircraft.
- Sebastian Wilsmann: Sebastian Wilsmann is a German rugby player, currently playing for the Munich RFC. He has represented his country at the Under-17 and Under-18 level.
- Jürgen Wilsmann: Jürgen Wilsmann is a German business executive and former president of the German energy firm RWE. He was the chairman of the board for several years and negotiated the sale of the company to E.on.
- Karl Wilsmann: Karl Wilsmann was a German composer of the early 20th century, known for works such as "Das Traumleben des Kindes", "Stre1ft die Nacht' and "Expedition".
- Gisela Wilsmann: Gisela Wilsmann is a German swimmer who competed in the 1968 Summer Olympics. She won a bronze medal in the women's 100m freestyle.
- Peter Wilsmann: Peter Wilsmann is a Swiss architect. He is best known for designing several of the world's tallest skyscrapers, including the Petronas Towers in Malaysia and the World Financial Center in Shanghai.