Origin & Meaning of the Wilhelm Surname
What does the last name Wilhelm mean?
The surname Wilhelm carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 19,913 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wilhelm ranks as the #1,802 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Wilhelm come from?
The Wilhelm surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Wilhelm name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Wilhelm trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Wilhelm |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,802 |
| US Count (2010) | 19,913 |
| Per 100K People | 6.75 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Wilhelm
According to the US Census, the Wilhelm surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 19,913 Americans with the Wilhelm last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.64% |
| Black | 0.31% |
| Hispanic | 2.33% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.77% |
| Native American | 0.28% |
| Two or More Races | 1.66% |
Popularity of Wilhelm Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wilhelm surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Wilhelm surname increased by 249 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Wilhelm Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Wilhelm ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Wilhelm Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Wilhelm Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Wilhelm
- ✓ The Wilhelm coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Wilhelm families live today
- ✓ Notable Wilhelm bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Wilhelm
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Wilhelm.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Wilhelm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wilhelm
Top Surnames Starting with W
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter W, ranked by population.
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