Surname Willigen - Meaning and Origin

Willigen: What does the surname Willigen mean?

The last name Willigen is of Dutch or Low German origin. It is derived from a Germanic personal name Willig, which is composed of two elements: will, meaning “will or desire”, and gern, meaning “ready” or “willing”. Therefore, the name Willigen could be translated literally as “one who is willing and ready”.

The earliest record of the surname comes from the Netherlands. Records show that someone with the surname Willigen was living in the city of Groningen in the year 1602. However, over the centuries the surname has spread from its Dutch origins to other countries around the world.

The exact meaning of the Willigen surname may be different depending on the region where it is used, but generally the surname conveys a sense of willingness and readiness to take on new challenges and tasks. Therefore, individuals with the Willigen surname may be seen as brave people who are ready and willing to face life's pitfalls and difficulties.

By extension, people with the Willigen surname may also be considered as reliable people who can be trusted with important roles and responsibilities. They are usually seen as dependable, hard-working, and honest individuals, who can be counted on for help in difficult times.

Overall, the surname Willigen is associated with a willingness to accept responsibility and take on new challenges. Individuals with this last name typically have a great persistence and a strong sense of dedication to achieving their goals.

Willigen: Where does the name Willigen come from?

The last name Willigen is a Dutch surname with origins in the Netherlands, Germany, and Scandinavia. Its literal meaning is "will of the family."

The last name Willigen is still quite common in the Netherlands, particularly in the south-eastern provinces. In the Netherlands, the Willigen is the 59th most common family name, accounting for roughly 0.2 per cent of the population. It is also common in other parts of Europe, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Sweden.

In the United States, the last name Willigen is far less common. The United States Census has recorded fewer than 600 people with this name living in the United States. Therefore, the name is not seen by many Americans as a common or popular last name.

However, the name is becoming more common as Dutch immigrants have come to the United States over the past century. It is estimated that around 7,000 people in the United States have a Dutch heritage and the number is growing. As such, it is likely that the last name Willigen will continue to increase amongst Dutch-Americans over the coming decades.

Variations of the surname Willigen

The surname Willigen has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Some of the more common variants are Willigin, Wilingin, Willigam, Williges, Willigenhagen, Willighe, Willigman, Willigmann, Willigmin, Willig van, Willigene and Williginne.

The surname Willigen is believed to have originated as a locative surname, referring to a person from the village of Willigen, which lies in the Netherlands. The name is a combination of the two Old Germanic elements 'wil' meaning 'will' or 'determination' and 'gin' meaning 'pasture'.

The name is also found spelled as Williggen, Willington, Willingham, Wilkes, Wilks and Willian. Willingham is an English variant of the surname and is derived from a hamlet near Nottinghamshire where the family resided.

Other variants include Will, Wilcox, Willes, Wille, Willey, Willlens, Wilmer, Wilmell, Wilmot, Wilms, Wilmuth, Wilsey, Wilson and Wilts. These are mostly derived from the various Germanic names beginning with 'Will-', which all have the meaning of' one who is determined'.

The surname Willigen is most commonly found in the Netherlands, Germany, England and Scandinavia. It is also found in the United States, where it is often spelled as Wilkins or Wilky.

Famous people with the name Willigen

• Johannes Chr. Willigen: Norwegian actor
• Angus Willigen: Australian politician
• Abraham Willigen: Dutch painter
• Leonard Willigen: American author and poet
• Dirk Willigen: Dutch stand-up comedian
• Willem Bastiaan Willigen: Dutch painter
• Pieter Gerardus Willigen: Dutch architect
• Eddy Willigen: Belgian author and television presenter
• Piet Willigen: Dutch cabaret artist
• Maria Goverts Willigen: Dutch sculptor

Other surnames

Willig