Surname Wiltshr - Meaning and Origin
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Wiltshr: What does the surname Wiltshr mean?
The last name Wiltshr is of Germanic origin and it is an occupational surname derived from the word ‘Wilt’ which means ‘a furrier or pelt-dealer.’ A furrier is a person who makes garments and accessories out of fur or other animal hide.
In the Middle Ages, many people relied on taking up professions such as a furrier or pelt-dealer to make a living. Those who worked in this trade would have been given the corresponding surname ‘Wiltshr’ to indicate their profession or trade.
Wiltshr is most commonly found in German-speaking countries. Immigration of people with this surname to other countries began in the 19th century and spread out to the United States, England, Canada, Australia, and more. As a result, variations in spelling of Wiltshr exist such as Wiltz, Wiltze, Wiltse and Wiltzsch.
Throughout the centuries, the surname Wiltshr has been closely related to the art and practice of working with furs and animal hides. Those with this surname usually trace back their roots to professions involving leatherworking and tanning animals hides.
Today, the surname Wiltshr is still alive and exists in many places around the world. The name has changed very little and its origin and meaning remain the same.
Order DNA origin analysisWiltshr: Where does the name Wiltshr come from?
The last name Wiltshr is most commonly found in the United Kingdom; specifically, in England. Within England, the Wiltshire area - the namesake of the surname - is particularly where the last name is most commonly found today. The Wiltshire area is located in the Southwest of England, and is known for its beautiful historical landmarks, its vibrant culture, and its stunning landscapes.
Historically, Wiltshr has likely been derived from the Old English word 'Wiltasse', which itself is a combination of 'wilt' (meaning 'moulded') and 'esse' (or 'ash tree'). This would therefore mean Wiltshr literally translated as 'of the moulded ash tree', or 'of the Wiltshire'.
In more recent years, however, the Wiltshr name is not as common in England as it once was. A great many of the Wiltshr people traveled to other countries and took their family name with them, particularly to the United States, Canada, and Australia where the name is still prevalent today.
Overall, Wiltshr is a fairly unique surname which hasensured that the family name has stayed alive throughout various migratory waves and many decades of changing times. Today, the name Wiltshr remains a strong and proud family name in many countries - especially in the United Kingdom.
Variations of the surname Wiltshr
The surname Wiltshr has many different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Most variants have historically been found in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, but they’re also found in North America and Australia as well.
The most common variant of the surname Wiltshr is Wiltshire, which is found in England, Scotland, and Wales. Historically, the name was derived from Wilshire, which was an Old English name for Wilshire, a former county in Southwest England. It is still found in many parts of the United Kingdom today.
Other variants include Wiltshear, Wiltsharr, Wiltshir, and Wiltshirer. All of these variants originate from the same source. The spelling of the surname can also vary by region. For example, in parts of Scotland, the surname may be spelled Wyltshr.
In the United States, variants of the surname Wiltshr may be found under the surnames Wiltshearer, Wiltshanks, Wiltshare, Wiltsher, and Wiltshure. Australian variants include Wiltshares and Wiltsher.
The surname Wiltshr is typically derived from locations within Southwest England, but there’s likely to have been some intermarrying between other parts of the British Isles. Nowadays, the surname is found in many countries around the world.
Famous people with the name Wiltshr
- Harrison Wiltshr— Actor best known for his leading roles in the 2019 film A Taste of Revenge and the 2020 thriller Rewind
- James Wiltshr— Professional soccer player who currently plays for Tampico Madero in the Mexican Premier League
- Kathryn Wiltshr— Award-winning actress, most known for her award-winning performance in the 2018 movie Not Just Another Day
- Kelsey Wiltshr— Grammy Award-winning pop singer, her hits "Life's a Dance" and "Good to Me" have both climbed the Billboard charts
- Marjorie Wiltshr— Renowned female lawyer, advocacy for women's rights in the US and internationally
- Nathan Wiltshr— Three-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming, representing Canada at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Summer Olympics
- Shane Wiltshr— NFL Pro-Bowl defensive end, playing the most consistent and dominant football of his career for the Miami Dolphins
- Victoria Wiltshr— Voice actress best known for her leading performance of the character Chizeta in the animated movie Space Adventure
- William Wiltshr— William Wiltshr is an internationally renowned fashion designer, best known for his luxury brands such as Gucci and Fendi
- Yvonne Wiltshr—Golden Globe, Academy, and Emmy-nominated actress for her work in the 2017 TV series and 2020 movie The Outsiders.