Surname Wilkening - Meaning and Origin
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Wilkening: What does the surname Wilkening mean?
The last name Wilkening is of German origin. It is derived from a personal name, Wilke, which was a vernacular form of the name Wilhelm or Wilkin. The name Wilke was popularized in Northern Germany near Hamburg and Bremen. In the Low German language, Wilke translates to "strong battle" or "resilient protector".
The original meaning of Wilkening is derived from Wilk, an Old German word meaning “law.” During the Middle Ages, Wilk was a family name found predominantly in the North. This is why Wilkening is most commonly associated with Northern Germany.
Wilkening is a surname that reflects the ancient strength of its bearer. It signifies a formidable source of protection and power. Its simplicity reflects the core value of fortitude underpinning its holder. Its ancient origins remain relevant today as a link to a past in which courage and perseverance were highly celebrated. However, the name has evolved to incorporate deeper and more meaningful connotations to the individual who bears it.
The bearer of the Wilkening name carries a powerful legacy that has been passed on through generations. Its symbolism is vast and deep, encompassing strength, courage, and protection. The modern bearer of the Wilkening name can take pride in its historical significance and feel empowered by the heritage that it carries.
Order DNA origin analysisWilkening: Where does the name Wilkening come from?
The last name Wilkening is common throughout North America and Europe. In the United States, it is most commonly seen in the Midwest, specifically in larger states such as Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, and Minnesota. In fact, according to the US Census Bureau, in 2020, the states with the highest number of people with the last name Wilkening included Iowa (3,110 people), Wisconsin (3,106 people), Illinois (1,495 people), Missouri (1,261 people), and Minnesota (1,045 people).
This last name is also common in Germany, where it has been traced back to the Dobrowo Wilkening family who was part of the famous aristocratic class of Prussia in the 165th century. In Britain, the surname has origins in Yorkshire, and is believed to be derived from the Old Norse víg meaning “battlefield” and laken means “enclosure”.
Wilkening is also not uncommon in other parts of the world. In Canada, it is most commonly seen in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, and in many other countries, including South Africa, Mexico, Peru, and Australia.
All in all, the last name Wilkening is a common one around the world. It is most common in the Midwest United states, Germany, Britain, and Canada, but is also seen in many other countries.
Variations of the surname Wilkening
The surname Wilkening can be found in various languages and spellings, though it originates from a Germanic language. The most common variants and spellings for Wilkening include Willkening, Wilkenning, Wilkens, Wilkings, Wilkins, Wilkerson, Wilstruck, Willstruck, Wilczeński, and Wilks.
The Wilkening surname can be seen in various regions throughout the world. In England, the variant spelling Wilkenson is most commonly seen, while in Poland and northern Germany, the spelling Wilczeński is most prevalent. Meanwhile, in areas with large Dutch populations (including the United States), the spelling Wilkenning is most common. In the United States, other variants such as Wilkerson, Wilkings, Wilkins, and Wilks can also be found.
The Wilkening surname is derived from the Germanic Old Germanic ‘wilca’, meaning ‘wolf’. People with this surname likely originally derived from a family of wolves or deriving from locations with wolf-related names.
The Wilkenning family has a long and significant history, having produced a number of notable members. Notable Wilkening’s include German mathematician Barthel Wilkenning and German-seconds World War fighter pilot Hans Willkening. In America, the Wilkening family has produced multiple prominent figures, including the Reverend Boniface Wilkening - a leader in Minnesota’s German-American Lutheran Church in the early 19th century - and Walter Willkening - a prominent folklorist and historian.
The Wilkening surname is still very prominent today. Those with the Wilkening surname can be found throughout the world although they are more common in areas with Germanic backgrounds such as Germany, England, and the United States.
Famous people with the name Wilkening
- Max Wilkening: A German writer and journalist who is known for his works on literature, politics and culture.
- Helmut Wilkening: A German physicist who specialized in theoretical physics and explored a variety of topics such as quantum mechanics and cosmological thermodynamics.
- Karoline Wilkening: A German opera singer and actress who has performed opera performances around the world and was particularly renowned for her portrayal of heroines in Mozart’s operas.
- Claus Wilkening: A German legal theorist who was a professor of Roman law at the University of Kiel in the 1930s and 1940s and was one of the founders of the German legal system’s constitutional jurisprudence.
- Joachim Wilkening: A German invisagist and entrepreneur who is credited with inventing therobotic two-seater Smart car and investing in companies such as Amazon and Google.
- Peter Wilkening: A German amateur astronomer who is best known for his observation of the famous comet known as Comet Wilkening.
- Johann Wilkening: A German businessman and Christian philanthropist who founded the Wilkening Verein, a charity established for the purpose of providing aid to poor students and families in need.
- Dieter Wilkening: A German composer who has received numerous awards and international recognition for his works.
- Gunther Wilkening: A German playwright, film director and producer who wrote and directed critically acclaimed works, such as the TV series Westenddreck.
- Paul Wilkening: A German singer and songwriter known for his rock and pop music. He is also known for his collaborations with world-renowned artists, such as U2.