Surname Willbertz - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Willbertz: What does the surname Willbertz mean?
The last name Willbertz is of German origin and means ‘Will’s bright one’. The surname is derived from the German word ‘willen’ meaning ‘to want’ and ‘berz’ meaning bright.
The earliest recorded use of the surname Willbertz dates back to 1289, when Konrad Willbertz, a knight of Germany, is documented as owning land in Bavaria. From that point the surname gradually spread to different parts of Europe, most notably to the Netherlands and France.
The surname underwent several spelling variations during its migration across Europe, including Wilbertz, Wilbartsz, Willbertz, Wilbartsen, Wilbersz, Wilbertsen, Wilbartz, Wilbartsen, Wilbert, Wilburtsen and Wilburtzen.
Throughout history, individuals with the surname Willbertz have had significant roles in the shaping of Europe. For example, Cornelius Willbertz, a Dutch theologian, played an important role in the Dutch Reformation of the 16th century, and Gerhard Wilbartz, a Canadian architect, was instrumental in the design and construction of several iconic city structures in Montreal.
The surname is still used today, primarily in Europe, particularly in Germany, France and the Netherlands. While fewer people today may be familiar with the origin and history of the surname, those who bear it continue to carry within it the legacy of the family’s past.
Order DNA origin analysisWillbertz: Where does the name Willbertz come from?
The last name Willbertz is most commonly found in Germany today. According to records from 2000, the surname Willbertz is still particularly prevalent in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. However, due to higher levels of migration, it is increasingly common in other European regions as well.
In fact, records from recent decades reveal a definite global spread of the name. For example, Willbertz is found in Canada and the US, with particularly high concentrations in the state of Washington and other parts of the Pacific Northwest.
Willbertz is also fairly common in Latin America, especially in countries such as Peru, Chile, and Mexico.
In South Africa, the name Willbertz appears to be more concentrated in the Greater Johannesburg region. The last name is also popular in certain parts of the Middle East, particularly the UAE.
Overall, the surname Willbertz is ubiquitous across the world today, with substantial numbers of people living in a wide variety of countries.
Variations of the surname Willbertz
The surname Willbertz is derived from Germanic roots and is believed to be descended from a family of warriors known as Willbrands. The spelling of the surname can change from generation to generation, depending on regional dialect and pronunciation. It can sometimes appear as "Willberz," "Willbrecht," "Wilbert," "Wilbrant," "Wilburts," Wilbrecht" and "Willbrechtz."
The variants and spellings of Willbertz come from a long line of Germanic surnames, the best known being the Willbrandt family. The Willbrandts were a powerful Northern European clan of fighters, and were renowned for their battle prowess. They had a reputation of never backing down from a fight and always being loyal to their team.
This well-known family of fighters first settled in southern Germany, and the surname eventually spread across the continent, gaining popularity in many European countries. This is how the surname Willbertz may have come to be, as it has many variant spellings.
Surnames related to Willbertz, such as "Wilburts," "Wilbrecht," "Willbrecht," "Willbrechtz," and "Wilbrant," are all descended from the same family as Willbertz, and they may also have similar origins and spelling variations.
The Willbertz surname has become globally popular in recent years, and has been adopted by a number of prominent figures in the world, including tennis player Jurgen Willbertz, US politician Robert Willbertz, and businesswoman Dr. Lena Willbertz.
Famous people with the name Willbertz
- Rebecca Willbertz: an American multiple award-winning fashion designer
- Linda Willbertz: an American musical performer who performed in the Broadway production of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar
- Phoebe Willbertz: an American physician and academic, specializing in medical anthropology
- Jeffrey Willbertz: an American actor, known for his work in the television crime drama series Homicide: Life on the Street
- Gregory Willbertz: an American screenwriter, best known for his work on the Oscar-winning movie Crash
- Matthew Willbertz: an American comedian, actor, and writer
- Emma Willbertz: an American pianist, specializing in classical music
- Charlotte Willbertz: an Australian businesswoman and entrepreneur
- Rachel Willbertz: an American singer-songwriter, known for her work on the country music scene
- Henry Willbertz: an English artist and illustrator