Surname Wilzeck - Meaning and Origin
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Wilzeck: What does the surname Wilzeck mean?
The last name Wilzeck is a Germanic family name derived from the Old German personal name Wilzec, which was formed from the elements wil (will) and zec (source, origin). This indicates that the original bearer of the name was a person with a will of their own and a strong personal identity. It is believed that the earliest members of the Wilzeck family were settlers in what is now Silesia and Prussia.
The Wilzeck family established themselves in the 12th century, and the surname is first documented in Silesia in 1390, when Wilhelm de Wilzeck was recorded in the Lüben census. Over the centuries, the Wilzeck family has spread throughout Germany and Central Europe, with some family members migrating to other countries in search of better opportunities.
Throughout history, the Wilzeck family has been associated with business and finance. Today, members of the Wilzeck family are engaged in many different professions, from politics and law to science and engineering.
Today, although the Wilzeck name may not be as common or well-known as it once was, each person with the name Wilzeck carries the legacy of the original settlers of a few hundred years ago: strong-minded people with a great sense of ambition and ambition.
Order DNA origin analysisWilzeck: Where does the name Wilzeck come from?
Today, the last name Wilzeck is most commonly found in the Czech Republic and Germany, with some scattered occurrences in other European countries including Austria, Poland, and the Netherlands. In the Czech Republic, the name Wilzeck is particularly concentrated in Central Bohemian Region and Prague. In Germany, most occurrences of Wilzeck can be found in the states of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Thuringen, Saxony-Anhalt, Berlin, Hamburg, and Bavaria.
The origin of the name Wilzeck is either from the lower German surname Willeschke, from the Middle High German words, wil (determined/diligent) and zecke (nickname for Hugo or a man who is determined/consistent). Alternatively, it may have evolved from the Old Czech word wilsty, meaning storm. This is an apparent reference to ruggedness and strength.
There is very little information about the history of the last name Wilzeck. It is known, however, that the name first appears in German records in the early 16th century. In the mid-1700s, there are records of a Frantz Wilzeck immigrating to Cleveland, Ohio. This is likely the first time the name appeared in the United States.
Today, the Wilzeck name is fairly uncommon. Those who carry the name are likely descended from either the German immigrants or the first few individuals born in the US with the Wilzeck surname.
Variations of the surname Wilzeck
The surname Wilzeck has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants are Wilzick, Wilzeg, Wilzek, and Vilzeck. Other possible spellings include Wilzegg, Wilzekk, Wilzec, and Vilzec.
The surname Wilzeck can also be found spelled in different combinations and variations. Some of these early spellings included Wilsek, Wilczick, Wilczeg, and Wilcek. Other forms included Wilsick, Wilscheck, Wil Citizens, Wilsock, Wil Schaack, and Wilceck.
The surnames Wilzeck and Wilzick both have their origins in the Germanic word "wilz", which means "Willow". In some cases, the surname Wilzeck can also be an Anglicized version of the Polish name Wilusz.
The surname Vilzec also appears to be derived from the same Germanic root as Wilzeck and Wilzick, though it may be a more heavily Anglicized version. It is believed to have originated from the Polish-Jewish name Wilush, meaning “Willow”.
In addition to the variants and spellings mentioned above, the Wilzeck surname can also be found in other forms, such as Wilzecz, Wilzack, Wilzik, and Wilzecks. It is also common to find this surname used with various prefixes, such as Mac Wilzeck, McWilzeck, O’Wilzeck, and Van Wilzeck.
Famous people with the name Wilzeck
- William Wilzeck: American Relativity physicist from the 1920s and 1930s. He had a distinguished career, earning a PhD from the University of Chicago and carrying out research on space and time at Harvard University and other institutions.
- Hermann Wilzeck: German Colonel of the Imperial German Army during World War I. He was in charge of the important "Rücktrupp" (Rearguard Troops) at the renowned Battle of the Somme.
- Niklas Wilzeck: German businessman who is best known as the CEO of the real estate company, BBB-Immobilien.
- Franz Wilzeck: German-American organist, composer, and teacher who was a pioneer of early Baroque opera in the United States.
- Dorothy Wilzeck: American historian and librarian who worked at the Library of Congress.
- Cornelius Wilzeck: German-American first lieutenant of the Union Army during the American Civil War.
- Steve Wilzeck: American industrial engineer and CEO of Kahuza, a leader in medical communications and data integration.
- John Wilzeck: American actor who is most well known for his work in television, appearing on shows like Hart to Hart, The Colbys, and Knots Landing.
- Karl Wilzeck: German politician and statesman of the Weimar Republic.
- George Wilzeck: American military officer and in both the American Revolutionary War and War of 1812.