Surname Wilksen - Meaning and Origin

Wilksen: What does the surname Wilksen mean?

The surname Wilksen originates from the Germanic languages and is a patronymic, an occupational or locational name. It is derived from the Old German word ‘Wilke’, which meant ‘wish’ or ‘will’. This surname was likely taken on by someone who had a desire, ambition, or promptness to act.

The Wilksen surname spread into Europe during the migration periods of the Middle Ages. The name eventually found its way into what is now Germany, and then about two hundred years later, other Wilksens emigrated to Scandinavia and the Netherlands. It is believed that they mainly settled in rural areas, where they engaged in livestock farming.

By the 19th century, many Wilksens had further migrated from Europe to the United States and Canada. It is estimated that there are currently thousands of people who share this surname throughout the world.

The Wilksen surname is unique, and describes those who have a strong will and determination. It is also a reminder of the powerful legacy left by ancestors who managed to strive and succeed despite considerable adversity.

Wilksen: Where does the name Wilksen come from?

The last name Wilksen is mostly found in the Low Countries, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium. It is sometimes also found in Germany, France, and other parts of Europe. In the United States, the name is most commonly found in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country of Pennsylvania and in the surrounding states of Maryland, Ohio, West Virginia, and Michigan.

In the Netherlands, the Wilksen name appears most frequently in the North Netherlands region and in the province of Drenthe. In Belgium, it appears predominantly in the provinces of Limburg and Antwerp. In Germany, Wilksen is most commonly found in the North Rhine-Westphalia region.

Wilksen is a Germanic name, deriving from the Middle Low German term "wilke" meaning fierce, courageous, and brave. It is thought to have been used as a surname by a band of warriors in the 8th and 9th centuries. The surname Wilksen is rarely found as a first name, although in some cases it is used as a middle name for boys.

In the United States, the surname Wilksen appears most frequently in the Midwest states of Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. It is also present in the Pennsylvania Dutch country of Pennsylvania and in the Mid-Atlantic states of Maryland, West Virginia, and Delaware. In Canada, the Wilksen name appears predominantly in Ontario.

Overall, Wilksen is a relatively less-common surname today, with the highest concentrations found in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

Variations of the surname Wilksen

The surname Wilksen has several variants and spellings that all share the same origin. Wilksen is derived from the old German surname Wilk, which is derived from the personal name Wilke, which itself is derived from a short form of names beginning with Wil-or Wilhelm.

The variants and spellings of Wilksen include Wilkens, Wilken, Wilkensen, Wilkins, Wilkinsen, Wielluchsen, Willkens, Willkensen, and Willkins.

Wilken and Wilkens are the two most popular variants of the Wilksen surname. Wilkens is the Dutch version and Wilken is the German version. Wilkins and Wilkinsen are the most common English variations, while Wielluchsen is a Dutch transitional form that dates back to the middle of the 18th century. Willkens and Willkensen is an older Dutch variant, and Willkins is an older British form.

Carrying a version of the Wilksen surname can offer a sense of pride and connection to the ancestral roots. This surname is believed to have originated somewhere along the Baltic Sea’s coastline, in either Germany or the Netherlands, and it was one of the first to be brought over to the America’s during the great European migration. Today, the Wilksen surname is found all over the world.

Famous people with the name Wilksen

• Marie Wilksen: an Australian actress known for her work in the film ‘The Dish’ and television dramas such as ‘Stingers’.
• Mark Wilksen: an Australian filmmaker who has written and directed for film and television.
• Hans Wilksen: a South African politician who served as the leader of political organization Freedom Front Plus from 1999 to 2004.
• Frederik Wilksen: an American actor. He is known for his roles in Disney films such as ‘The Parent Trap’ and the cult classic ‘My Science Project’.
• Martha Wilksen: an American journalist and writer. She is best known for her popular columns in the New York Times and her book, ‘American Dreams’.
• Harry Wilksen: a Danish musician. He was the bassist in the influential rock band Rye Coalition and later went on to be a part of the collaboration known as Big Walnuts Yonder with Mike Watt and Nels Cline.
• Dag Wilksen: a Norwegian artist. He is known for his stunning landscape paintings which display the beauty of his homeland.
• Elsie Wilksen: a British actress. She is most famous for her role in TV series ‘Call the Midwife’.
• Anton Wilksen: a German historian and author. His works focus on German-Jewish history.
• Gustav Wilksen: a Swedish writer and poet. He was a two-time Nobel Prize in Literature nominee in 1933 and 1951.

Other surnames

Wilks