Surname Wilburn - Meaning and Origin
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Unravelling the Origins of the Wilburn Family Name Through iGENEA DNA Analysis
Engaging in a DNA analysis with iGENEA unlocked the fascinating history woven into my surname, Wilburn. Beginning with a simple cheek swab, I was led on an exciting pilgrimage to discover my genetic heritage, revealing unexpected twists intertwining England, Germany, and Switzerland. A newfound appreciation of my familial roots and surname has been developed through this journey.
T. Wilburn
read moreWilburn: What does the surname Wilburn mean?
The last name Wilburn is of English, Scottish and Southern origin. It is derived from the Old French personal name Willebron, meaning “determined protector”. The modern spelling of Wilburn likely derives from the Norman French “Willesbrun”.
The name first appears in English records during the early 13th century. It is a locational name that was adopted by many families who moved from their ancestral homes in their quest for better opportunities. It is particularly common in the east and south of England and in the south of Scotland.
The Wilburn surname is also found in America, where the earliest known immigrant bearing the name was Thomas Wilburn, who settled in Accomack County, VA in 1619. By the 19th century, it had spread throughout the United States.
In recent times, the Wilburns have been business owners, politicians, teachers, writers, musicians, scientists, and more. They are people of great ambition and resilience who are dedicated to the betterment of themselves and of the wider community.
Order DNA origin analysisWilburn: Where does the name Wilburn come from?
The last name Wilburn is commonly found in the United States today.
In the past, Wilburn was often linked to the state of Virginia. Records from the 1600's show that the Wilburn family settled in Colonial Virginia, likely emigrating from Europe. Evidence suggests that many Wilburns have stayed in Virginia for centuries, though some of them have left for other states.
Wilburns are currently most heavily concentrated in the United States Southeast and Midwest according to the 2018 US Census. Georgia appears to have the most Wilburns, followed closely by Alabama and Texas. North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio also have significant numbers of Wilburns.
The number of Wilburns in the United States is likely increasing. Research suggests that Wilburn finds itself among the top 500 surnames, although it has yet to reach the top 400.
Today, Wilburns are found across the United States and the world. The name is associated with many different backgrounds, occupations, and cultural traditions. No matter where you find a Wilburn, you can be sure of one thing--that they hail from proud families with deep roots in American history.
Variations of the surname Wilburn
The Wilburn surname has a few variants, spellings, and other surnames that have the same origin. Wilburn is a surname of English, German, and Irish origin. In England, the name originally referred to someone from Willborne, Wilburne, Wilbourn, Wilbourne or Wilburn. In Germany, it is a variation of Wilbrand or Wilbrandt. In Ireland, the name is an Anglicanization of the Gaelic surname Ó Faolbhuí.
Variant spellings of Wilburn include Willburn, Welburn, Wilbourne, Wilburne, Wilbourn, and Willborne. Some other surnames that have the same origin as Wilburn include Woolburn, Wilbraham, Wilbert, Wilbrey, Wilbian, Willbanks, and Willbarger.
Wilburn is still seen as a common last name in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. The surname is also found throughout continental Europe, with concentrations in Finland, Germany, and Austria. Some famous people with the Wilburn surname include American country music singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer Marty Wilburn, American Bishop of the United Methodist Church Joel Hunter Wilburn, 19th-century British Prime Minister Spencer Perceval Wilburn, American Major League Baseball pitcher Mervin Augustus Wilburn, and professional American football player Marcus Wilburn.
Famous people with the name Wilburn
- Kris Wilburn: Lead Singer and Songwriter of the rock band, Turin Brakes.
- Anna Wilburn: Radio presenter and podcaster for SiriusXM's Kidz Bop Radio.
- Dade Wilburn: American Author and Entrepreneur.
- Deneice Wilburn: Gospel singer with the group Florida Boyz.
- Ruby Wilburn: Actress who played supporting roles in the films Thelma & Louise and The Great Outdoors.
- Bunny Wilburn: American singer who released her debut album, Something To Love, in 2000.
- Jay Clark Wilburn: Country music performer most known for his album, Reach for the Light, in 2001.
- Todd Wilburn: American Country music singer who released his debut album, Hillcountry Blue, in 2008.
- Arthur B Wilburn: Recording artist, actor, and stand-up comedian best known for his appearances on the sitcom, The Jeffersons.
- Victor Wilburn Jr.: American R&B singer-songwriter who released the album, Love Limitless, in 2017.