Surname Wilbrandt - Meaning and Origin

Wilbrandt: What does the surname Wilbrandt mean?

The last name Wilbrandt is of German origin, derived from the personal name Wilbrand. The root of the name is the Old High German ‘will’which means ‘will, desire’, and ‘brandt’, meaning ‘sword, blade’. Thus, it is thought that the origin of the name has to do with someone who was considered to have a strong will or an aptitude for battle.

The surname Wilbrandt can be found all around the world, although it is most commonly found in Germany and Scandinavian countries. It is a relatively common name, especially in Germany, where it was first recorded in the 15th century. It is also known to have been taken to the United States in the early 1800s, where it is now particularly prevalent in the Midwest and New England.

The name Wilbrandt has evolved several times over the centuries, becoming Wilsbrand in the 17th century and Wilsbrant in the 18th century. Variants of the name which are frequently found include Wilbrant, Wilbrent, Wilbrandt, and Wilbrentt.

By combining the origin of the name with its presence in multiple countries today, it is easy to see that the surname Wilbrandt has had a long and varied history which has connected different nations and cultures over hundreds of years.

Wilbrandt: Where does the name Wilbrandt come from?

The surname Wilbrandt is most commonly found in Germany today, but is seen in other countries around the world in smaller numbers. Wilbrandt is said to have originated in Bavaria in the late medieval period, before migrating north and west along with many other German families. The Wilbrands arrived in what is now the Netherlands about 400 years ago, with some also migrating to North America in the 18th century.

Within Germany, the surname Wilbrandt can most frequently be found around the cities of Munich, Stuttgart, and Hamburg. There are smaller populations of Wilbrandts in other parts of the country, as well as in other countries in Europe and North America.

In the U.S., the largest concentration of Wilbrandts can be found in Wisconsin and Illinois, suggesting that many of them settled here after coming over from Germany. People with Wilbrandt surnames also live in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as in larger numbers in South America, specifically Brazil and Argentina.

The Wilbrandt name has spread far beyond its Germanic roots throughout the world, but is still strongly associated with that part of Europe.

Variations of the surname Wilbrandt

The surname Wilbrandt is a Germanic surname, derived from the Germanic personal name Wilbrand, meaning “will, desire, and protection”. It is found throughout the German-speaking countries and can be found as Wilbrand, Wilbrandt, Wilbrant, Wilbrent, Vilbrandt, Wilbret, Wilbert, Wilbord, Wilberd, Wilber, Wilburn, and Wilbourn.

In the United States, Wilbrandt is most commonly found in the states of New Jersey, Ohio, California, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, as well as provinces of Canada such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. It is also found in the British Isles, particularly in England, Ireland, and Scotland, as well as in northern Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

The variants of Wilbrandt are also found in various forms, depending on the region or country. In German-speaking countries, the surnames Wilbrath, Wilbrink, Wilbradt, Wilbrecht, Wilbram, Wilbrol, Wilbrück, and Wilbrügge are variations on the original surname of Wilbrand. In English, the variations include Wilbourn, Wilbram, Wilbret, Wilbrey, Wilbrant, Wilburn, Wilbur, Wilber, and Wilbert.

In Scotland, Wilbourn is an accepted variation, while in Wales, Wilbram and Wilburn can be found. In Ireland, some of the variations are Wilbrink, Wilbaltui, Wilbrecht, Wilbislas, and Wilbirg.

Overall, the surname Wilbrandt has many variants, spellings, and variations, depending on the region and country of origin. No matter the spelling or variation, the original Germanic origin of Wilbrandt still remains, symbolizing protection and desire.

Famous people with the name Wilbrandt

• Erich Wilbrandt: He was a German WW2 pilot and a successful writer. His most important book was "Themengebunden: Aus der Erinnerungen eines deutschen Fliegers" (Collected Memories of a German Aviator).
• J.G. Wilbrandt: He was a German banker and politician who was a strong influence during the time of the German Unification and later became the Chancellor of Prussia.
• Martin Wilbrandt: He is a German footballer who currently plays for Dynamo Dresden.
• Goswin Wilbrandt: He was a German protestant theologian and priest who wrote many books about the history of German Empire and the Protestant Reformation.
• Debbie Wilbrandt: She is an American diver who competed in the 1984 Olympic Games in the 10-meter platform event.
• Petter Wilbrandt: He is a Norwegian music composer who has released several albums.
• Michael Wilbrandt: He is a German diplomat and writer who wrote 8 books about international diplomacy since 2009.
• Hermann Wilbrandt: He was a German classical composer who wrote songs and operas. He is remembered for his work on the operas "Rinaldo" and "Theodora".
• Karl Wilbrandt: He was a German pianist and composer of the Second Viennese School. His works include the opera "Die Oper des Kaisers".
• Axel Wilbrandt: He is a German historian and author who wrote books about the history of Germany, including the history of the Weimar Republic.

Other surnames

Wilbrand