Surname Wisenbaker - Meaning and Origin
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Wisenbaker: What does the surname Wisenbaker mean?
The last name Wisenbaker is an occupational surname, meaning one who is a wainwright or wagon maker, likely referring to someone who made these iconic vehicles of the past. The surname likely originated from either Germany or Switzerland, though a few other countries have similar names. The German word “Wagenbauer” or the Swiss “Wägenbau,” refer to one who is a wagon maker or builder. In the late 1700s, when many of the immigrants from Germany and Switzerland moved to the US, surnames were changed to be Americanized versions of their original surnames. Therefore, Wagenbauer likely became Wisebaker.
In English-speaking countries, the surname has likely been anglicized over time to become Wisenbaker. By the time of the US civil war in 1861, the surname had already established itself as one of the most typical American surnames.
It is likely that the surname origins have remained the same over time. Wisenbaker would have been given to someone who was the master of the wagon or cart, as later in history, a wainwright might also have been known as a wisenbaker – one who creates wagons and carts.
In the US, the surname can be most commonly found in places such as Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New England. The surname is not particularly common, and is currently believed to be held by fewer than 1,000 people in the US.
In general, the surname Wisenbaker is an occupational name related to the activity of wagon-making and cart building, and first came into use centuries ago, likely originating from Germany and Switzerland in Europe.
Order DNA origin analysisWisenbaker: Where does the name Wisenbaker come from?
The Wisenbaker surname appears to have first originated in Germany circa the 17th century. Its prevalence is strongest today in the United States, where records of families with the surname date back to as early as the 1700's in Pennsylvania. More recently, the 2000 US Census found that the last name Wisenbaker was most commonly found in West Virginia and Tennessee.
Across the United States, the Wisenbaker surname is most often concentrated in the Appalachian region. This includes states such as Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee. In some states the last name Wisenbaker is still relatively rare. U.S Census results for the last name from 2000 to 2010 showed that the largest population of Wisenbakers during this time was in the state of Virginia. Over the same period, the total population of Wisenbakers increased by over 7%.
The Wisenbaker name can also be found in other parts of the world. In the United Kingdom, for example, records of the name can be found as early as the late 1700's. Additionally, records of the name have been located in countries such as Sweden, Australia, and Canada.
Today, the last name Wisenbaker is quite common, although concentrated more heavily in the U.S - particularly in the Appalachian region. As the name continues to be passed down from generation to generation, it is sure to remain a popular surname for years to come.
Variations of the surname Wisenbaker
The surname Wisenbaker has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
Variants of the surname Wisenbaker include Wisnebaker, Wisnebacker, Wysnabaker, Wysnbacker, Wisinbaker, Wisenback, Wisenbacker, Wisenbak, Wisenbach, Wisembach, Wisnebacher, and Wisenbacher. The spelling Wisebaker is seen in some cases as well.
The variants of the surname Wisenbaker can also be found in other countries. In Germany, the surname is spelled Wisselbacher, Wisselbakker, Wisselbacher, and Wisellbaker. In the United Kingdom, Wales, and Ireland, the surname is spelled Wisenbaker, Wysenbacker, Wisebaker, Wisembach, and Wisembacker. In the Netherlands, the surname is spelled Wisselbakker, Wisselbacher, and Wisellbaker.
Other surnames that have the same origin as the surname Wisenbaker include Wenbaker, Wimbach, Lunchbacher, and Wisselbach. These surnames can be found in Germany, the Philippines, and other parts of Europe.
In conclusion, the surname Wisenbaker has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Wisnebaker, Wisnebacker, Wysnabaker, Wysnbacker, Wisinbaker, Wisenback, Wisenbacker, Wisenbak, Wisenbach, Wisembach, Wisnebacher, Wisselbacher, Wisselbakker, Wiselbaker, Wenbaker, Wimbach, Lunchbacher, Wisselbach, and Wisebaker.
Famous people with the name Wisenbaker
- William Wisenbaker: former United States Representative for Georgia and a key player in the fight against crime and drugs.
- George Wisenbaker: United States Navy admiral who served in both World Wars and was a recipient of the Navy Cross and Navy Commendation Medal.
- Major General William A. Wisenbaker: U.S. Army general who commanded units in both World War II and the Korean War and served as chief of staff to General Dwight D. Eisenhower.
- John D. Wisenbaker, Jr.: U.S. Army general who served in World War II and the Vietnam War and was awarded the Silver Star, two Distinguished Service Medals, and the Legion of Merit.
- Colonel Charles C. Wisenbaker: United States Air Force pilot who flew combat missions during both World War II and the Korean War, and was also a well-known air show pilot and stuntman.
- Dr. W. Joseph Wisenbaker: German-born American diplomat who served as a special envoy to the Middle East, and as a private consultant on the Middle East peace process.
- Dr. E. Lee Wisenbaker, Jr.: American author, professor, speaker, and researcher who specialized in developmental psychology and psychoanalysis.
- Anthony Wisenbaker: Screenwriter, filmmaker, and acting coach from California who was the winner of the 2018 Carson McHone screenplay competition.
- William Robert "Rob" Wisenbaker: musician, singer-songwriter, and producer from Tennessee who has released 12 albums and written over 400 songs.