Surname Wilberz - Meaning and Origin
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Wilberz: What does the surname Wilberz mean?
The last name Wilberz is thought to be of Germanic origin, with the prefix “wille” meaning “will” and the suffix “berz” denoting the idea of “one who is bright, clever, or wise”. Combined, Wilberz can be interpreted as meaning “one who possesses a strong will and great wisdom”.
It’s not clear where the surname originated, though it's likely that the name first appeared in Germany. From there, it could have spread to other parts of Europe and beyond. Based on records from the nineteenth century, it seems likely that the Wilberz family had a presence in both the United States and Canada.
The Wilberz surname can also be seen in various spellings, including Wilburs, Wilburz, Willbergz, Wilbern, and Wilburts. Whatever spelling it takes, the name usually signifies the same trait: a person with great determination and intelligence.
It’s easy to understand where the name Wilberz gets its meaning, and it’s pleasing that the surname is so timeless and adaptable. Whether the Wilberz family hails from Germany, the United States, or elsewhere, it’s clear that they have been a source of strength and wisdom for centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisWilberz: Where does the name Wilberz come from?
The last name Wilberz is most commonly found today in Europe, particularly in Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia. Today, individuals with the last name Wilberz are scattered across Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, France, Canada, and the United States.
The Wilberz family name is derived from the German word "wilbern," an old germanic term that literally translates to "to will." Over time, the family name varied into forms such as Wilbrenz, Wilbertz, Wilburnz, Wilbern and Wilberz.
Members of the Wilberz family are said to have originally settled in Bohemia, a historical region situated in the modern day Czech Republic. Many members of the Wilberz family moved to parts of Europe such as Germany during the 17th century in search of a better life.
Today, Wilberz family members are scattered across the globe in various countries, each of which holds its own unique culture and way of life. Many of the descendants of the original Wilberz family are proud to trace their roots back to Bohemia, the ancestral homeland of the Wilberz family. Whatever their current situation, it is clear that wherever members of the Wilberz family have gone, they have taken their hard work and resilience with them to build successful lives abroad.
Variations of the surname Wilberz
The surname Wilberz has a few different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, including Woolveridge, Woolverstone, Wilverstone, Wilberson, Wilbersons, Willburson, Williburson, Woolbertson, Woolburson, Woolverty, Wilbertson and Wilverty. All of these names likely derive from a much older Norman name which dates back to the 11th century in England. The name originates from the Norman-French phrase "wille berc" which translates to "the enclosed pasture".
The earliest records of the Wilberz surname in England can be found in the mid 12th century. In 1166, records refer to Willelmus Wilberc of Yorkshire. Further records exist from Gloucestershire in 1208, Yorkshire in 1279 and Lincolnshire in 1296. Later records include a JohnWilberz who married Margaret Fenman on September 14th 1578 in Surrey.
The varied forms of the Wilberz surname, such as Woolveridge, Woolverstone, and Wilverty, can likely be attributed to clerks and priests misinterpreting the old Norman spelling. Spellings also changed over time as dialects changed, and modified versions of the name were found in different areas of the country.
Today, the Wilberz surname is still widely spread throughout England and other parts of the world, with a few thousand individuals having the surname around the globe. The Woolbertson, Woolburson and Wilverty spellings are now found predominantly in Australia, while the Woolveridge name is more common in Canada. The Wilburson surname is also found in Scotland and Ireland.
Famous people with the name Wilberz
- Charles Wilberz: professional soccer player from Sweden who most famously played for Tottenham Hotspur from 2001-2005
- Philip Wilberz: renowned American painter and abstract artist
- Jim Wilberz: inventor and entrepreneur who is most well-known for his pioneering work in the field of biomedical microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)
- Martin Wilberz: German physicist known for his research in quantum optics and laser technology
- Jess Wilberz: award-winning British film director who directed the 2018 romantic comedy 'The Perfect Date'
- Thomas Wilberz: Swiss ski jumper who competed in the 2010 Winter Olympics
- Dave Wilberz: English composer, organist, and conductor who served as the artistic director of the Boar's Head Festival Choir from 2007-2016
- Julius Wilberz: world-renowned German-born sculptor and draughtsman who has been commissioned to create smaller-scale pieces for private collections and large-scale, public works for museum and gallery exhibitions
- Simon Wilberz: award-winning playwright from Germany known for his plays about important historical figures
- Shannon Wilberz: former professional American basketball player who was named the WNBA's Most Improved Player in 2006