Surname Wiskamp - Meaning and Origin
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Wiskamp: What does the surname Wiskamp mean?
The last name Wiskamp is of German origin and is believed to be an occupational surname, derived from the Middle Low German word “wiskampen” or the old Dutch word “wischkamp” which refers to people who made brooms or brushes. The underlying meaning of the surname likely relates to the collective noun “wisk” which means to sweep; sweeping and brush-making were among the early jobs of those carrying the Wiskamp name.
Another possible origin for the Wiskamp surname is the Dutch word “wisselkamp” which means a path taken by soldiers in battle and has been used since the 1500s term. This path course was typically used to confuse and disorient an enemy by encircling them. The surname would then have been employed by an ancestor who may have served in the military.
Variations of the Wiskamp surname over centuries have included Wisckamp, Wischkamp, Wisselkamp, Wiskamb, Viskam, and Wieskamp. Today, Wiskamp is a common surname across Europe, indicating a long and varied history, usually with connections to fighting or making items like brooms and brushes.
Order DNA origin analysisWiskamp: Where does the name Wiskamp come from?
The last name Wiskamp is believed to be German, although its exact origin is uncertain. The name is most commonly found in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. The Wiskamps of the Netherlands and Belgium are thought to have been Huguenots or Dutch Protestants who were originally from Germany, but that has not been proven. In Germany, the name is most commonly found in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The United States Census Bureau states the Wiskamp name is the 2,359th most common last name in America. The majority of Americans that bear this name are of German descent and can be found primarily in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin are the top four states with the highest reported population of people with the last name Wiskamp.
The name Wiskamp is generally believed to have first been used in Germany in the 16th century as a German occupational name, originating as a nickname for a weaver or a fabric maker. To this day, many families bearing the name have continued to live in the region of Germany where the name is most commonly found.
Variations of the surname Wiskamp
The surname Wiskamp is derived from the Germanic personal name ‘Wisc-kam’ composed of ‘Wisc’ or ‘Wisk’ meaning ‘bold’ from the Proto-Germanic ‘wiskaz’ and ‘Kam’ meaning ‘combat’. This surname has several variants and alternate spellings such as Wiskam, Wiskem, Wiskampt, Wizikamp, Viskamp, Viskampt, Wischkamp, and Wischkampt. It also has many variations arriving into languages other than German. In Dutch, the surname is recorded as Wischkamp or WIskamp; in English its variants include Wisem, Wiscombe, Wiscomb, Wasserman, and Wassom. In Jewish, it is recorded as Viskampt, Viskampe, Witzkamp, and Wiskem.
Common surname variants of Wiskamp include Wischkam, Wischkamp, Wiskam, Wiskem, and Wiscombe. These variants can be found in a variety of countries including Germany, Netherlands, France, England, Russia, India, Pakistan, and more. Surnames like Wiskamp also developed into many different surnames derived from a variety of other sources such as patronymic origins or locations. Patronymic derivatives such as Wiskampkott, Wiskampkin, Wiskampke, and Wiskampen can be seen in Germany. English derivatives such as Wiscombe, Wiscome, and Wiscombe, can be found in England and Switzerland. Lastly, the French variant Viskam is found in France and elsewhere.
Overall, the surname Wiskamp can take on many different variants, spellings, and surnames stemming from various languages, locations, and origins.
Famous people with the name Wiskamp
- Josh Wiskamp: Josh Wiskamp is a software engineer and entrepreneur who has a passion for developing world-class web and mobile products. He is the founder and CEO of treinMaatje, a mobile transport platform for people with disabilities. He has also been a part of some well-known teams such as Google, Domino’s, and HP.
- Rachel Wiskamp: Rachel Wiskamp is an American actor best known for her role in the hit crime-drama series Power. She has appeared in numerous television shows as well as films over the years, including Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, Numb3rs, and Somewhere Between.
- Mark Wiskamp: Mark Wiskamp is an American businessman and the executive chairman of the board of directors at Pfizer, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. He is credited with leading the company’s growth and making it one of the most innovative and successful pharmaceutical companies in the world.
- Frank Wiskamp: Frank Wiskamp is a former professional basketball player from the Netherlands. He is best known for playing in the Dutch top league for 10 years, as well as for the Dutch national team. Wiskamp is also well known for his charity work in the Netherlands and various African countries.
- Ethan Wiskamp: Ethan Wiskamp is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He is currently a scout for the New York Rangers. Wiskamp was highly regarded for his intelligence on the ice and his ability to create helpful plays in critical moments.