Surname Wilbertz - Meaning and Origin
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Wilbertz: What does the surname Wilbertz mean?
The last name Wilbertz is of German and Dutch origin. It is a popular German name which is derived from the personal name 'Wilbert', which in turn is a combination of two Germanic words - 'wil' meaning 'will or desire', and 'berht' meaning 'shining or bright'. The name is taken to mean someone of 'strong will' or 'bright desire'.
Wilbertz is an old name which dates back to medieval times. It is sometimes spelled 'Gilbert', and is also found as a first name. It is believed that the family derives from a prominent family who lived in Germany in the 11th Century.
The surname was recorded first in Bavaria in the 12th Century and then spread to other parts of Europe, particularly the Netherlands. In Dutch, Wilbertz means 'son of Wilbert'. The name has since been adopted in many other countries around the world.
In modern times, Wilbertz remains a popular name, particularly in Europe. Its popularity is likely due to its strong, meaningful origin and its elegant sound. It is often associated with strength, perseverance and determination, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a name with character.
Order DNA origin analysisWilbertz: Where does the name Wilbertz come from?
The last name Wilbertz is most commonly found in Germany. Wilbertz is a German locational surname of patronymic origin, meaning one from a place called Wilburtz. The name is derived from the Old High German elements 'wil' meaning 'resolution', 'desire', or 'will' and 'berht' meaning 'brilliant', or 'bright.'
The first recorded reference to the name was in 1136 when one Conrad Wilbertz was a witness in a charter in Soest, North Rhine-Westphalia. It is likely that Wilbertz was a settlement of the Franks, or a house of warriors.
Today, the name is popularly found in Germany, particularly in the former West German states, because post-World War II migration was facilitated by peaceful reconstruction and development.
However, Wilbertz is not solely a German name. Subsequent references to the surname appear in the UK and the US. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Wilbertz was a contribution to the German immigration in the US and almost exclusively at that time in Pennsylvania. There is a current online community called Wilbertz in the United States, providing support and research into all things Wilbertz.
With many emigrants bearing the Wilbertz surname now established in many other parts of the world, it is likely that the name has become much more widespread and is no longer limited to German borders.
Variations of the surname Wilbertz
The surname Wilbertz is derived from the German given name Wilbert, which is composed of two elements: “wil” meaning desire or will and “berht” meaning bright or famous. In other languages, Wilbert can also be spelled Willbert, Wilburt, Wilbur, Wilburtz and Wilbord.
The name Wilbertz is widely used in Europe, particularly in Germany. There are several variants and spellings that can be found in the records, including Wilberts, Wilbartz, Wilborz, Wilbrez, Wilbertz, Wilbretz, Wilberetz, Wilbirt, Wilbertse, Wilburtz, Wilburz, Wilbricht, Wilbirk, Wilbrink, Wilbrecht, Wilbriet, Wilbertsohn, Wilbreith and Wilbreth.
In the United States, Wilburtz and Wilbertz are the spelling variants most often found, but a few other spellings have become more commonly used over time, such as Wilburts, Wilbetts and Wilbrets.
In some countries, the original spelling has been altered over time, resulting in alternative surnames such as Wilberg, Wilbers, Wilborg, Wilburn and Wilbourn.
Some of the common surnames related to Wilbertz include Wilber, Wilcox, Wilkerson, Wilkins, Willett, Willette, Willey, Williford, Willing, and Willis.
Although the Wilbertz surname appears to be rare today, its variants and spellings have spread far and wide across the globe throughout the centuries.
Famous people with the name Wilbertz
- Alexander Wilbertz: German motorsport driver and former football goalkeeper.
- Freerk Wilbertz: German actor best known for the roles he played in television series like How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) and In aller Freundschaft.
- Carl Wilbertz: Swedish actor who starred in films such as Knock Out and Gunmoll.
- Lars Wilbertz: Swedish politician best known for serving as Minister of Social Affairs in the 1990s.
- Charles Wilbertz: Political satirist and columnist known for writing for The Nation magazine.
- Ludwig Wilbertz: Prussian sculptor of the baroque period who is best known for his statues of the Potsdam Soldiers.
- Henrik Wilbertz: Swedish architect, professor and CEO of SIQ Architects.
- Joram Wilbertz: Dutch sculptor and art teacher.
- Oscar Wilbertz: Swedish physicist well known for his research in atomic physics.
- William Wilbertz: American actor from the early 20th century, best known for his role in the film Her Sister from Paris.