Surname Wilbricht - Meaning and Origin
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Wilbricht: What does the surname Wilbricht mean?
The last name Wilbricht is derived from the German language and is thought to be a locational surname. This type of surname was often taken on by a person after they left their original birthplace and traveled to a new area. It is very likely that the surname Wilbricht originated in an area located in modern-day Germany and derived from the German words "wil" meaning ‘willow’ and "bricht" meaning ‘woody stream’, likely referring to an area close to a river or stream surrounded by willow trees.
The name Wilbricht may also refer to a person who was a willow-seller or who had a business involving willow wood. It was very common at the time for people to be given a name based on their profession or the area in which they lived. Records of the Wilbricht name date back to the 13th century, with several branches of the family found throughout Germany, indicating that it was a successful and established family during these times.
Today, it is possible to trace the origin of the Wilbricht name by examining records and documents found in church archives and other local institutions. As this type of surname typically developed as families moved and settled in new areas, many who bear the Wilbricht surname no longer live in the area of their original origin. However, the name still lives on as a reminder of the family’s proud history.
Order DNA origin analysisWilbricht: Where does the name Wilbricht come from?
The last name Wilbricht is most prevalent in Germany today. According to the German language genealogy website Verwandt, Wilbricht is currently found in the former East Prussian regions of Germany such as Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt, in addition to other parts of Germany, including Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia. Wilbricht is especially common in the city of Riesa in Saxony, where many families have lived for centuries.
The origin of Wilbricht is unclear, though it is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages as a variation of "Wilbert," a personal name meaning "desiring brightness" or "bright will". Wilbricht is first documented in the 14th century Kalbe peninsula in Prussia, and the family lineage is traced across the centuries, surviving the Middle Ages, the Thirty Years' War, and industrialization.
Wilbricht is a rare name outside of Germany, and those with the name are often connected in some way to historic Prussian lines. It is likely that the name has long been part of German families, though the extent of its geographic spread is unclear.
Variations of the surname Wilbricht
The surname Wilbricht is of German origin. It derives from Wilbrecht (shortened form of Willibert) and variations of its spelling include Wilbrecht, Wilbrech, Wilbreh, Wilbrect, Wilbrecht, Vilbrecht and Willberger. Wilbricht and its variations are a factitive of Wilbrecht, meaning one who makes or produces something.
Variants of Wilbricht include Wilbert, Wilbret, Wilberecht, Wilberechts, Wilbergert and Wilbers. These variations can be found in different countries and regions due to spelling variants and the effects of migration and immigration. Wilbret is mainly used in northern regions of the Netherlands, Luxembourg and in the United States, with Wilbert, being prevalent in Belgium, France, Germany, Slovakia and the Netherlands.
Wilberecht, Wilberechts and Wilbergert are mostly prevalent in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Slovakia. The spelling Wilberechts is derived from Wilbrecht. Vilbrecht is a common variation found in eastern Europe, particularly in Belarus, Moldova, Poland and Ukraine.
Willberger is an occupational surname derived from a baker or miller and is mainly found in Austria and the Czech Republic.
Other surnames of the same origin include Wilbraham, Wilbrahamler, Wilbrit, Wilbrinck, Wilbrincks and Wilbrink. These can be traced to North Germany, Holland and Denmark, originating from the personal name Wilbrecht.
In France, variations have been Anglicized to Wilbright, Wilbrough, Wilbrait and Wilbreth. Wilbright is the most commonly found variation in the United States, particularly in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Illinois. Wilbrough can be found in New York, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Famous people with the name Wilbricht
- Scott Wilbricht: An American professional poker player from Madison, Wisconsin who has over $380,000 in career earnings.
- Joe Wilbricht: An American bowling player from Wichita, Kansas, who has won multiple tournaments in his career.
- Tyler Wilbricht: An American speed skating athlete who has won multiple medals and championships.
- Yuna Wilbricht: An Australian professional surfer who has competed in many international events and is currently ranked 9th in the world.
- John Wilbricht: An American artist and sculptor from New York City who is most well-known for his showing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2014.
- Steve Wilbricht: An American professional golfer from Ohio who has won seven PGA Tour Championships and one U.S. Open.
- Sarah Wilbricht: An American actress from Los Angeles who is best known for her various roles in the hit TV show, “Friends”.
- Amber Wilbricht: An American dancer and choreographer from Massachusetts who has starred in numerous Broadway shows and musicals.
- Kurt Wilbricht: A German soccer player from Berlin who has won five Bundesliga championships with three different teams.
- Jan Wilbricht: A Swedish chemist and Nobel Prize in Chemistry recipient in 2012 for his work in organic chemistry.