Summary

German surname with origins in medieval times, derived from the given name Wilhelm which means 'will' or 'desire' combined with 'helmet'. It was often used to refer to those who wore helmets or were related to a helmet-maker.
There are
19913
Wilhelms in the USA
Wilhelm is the
1802nd
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Wilhelm

WilhelmII

Wilhelm II was the last German Emperor and King of Prussia from 1888 to 1918. He was known for his militaristic policies and the outbreak of World War I.

WilhelmConrad

Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen was a German physicist who discovered X-rays in 1895, for which he was awarded the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.

WilhelmWundt

Wilhelm Wundt was a German psychologist, philosopher, and physiologist, often considered as the founder of experimental psychology. He established the first psychological laboratory in Leipzig, Germany in 1879.

WilhelmSteinitz

Wilhelm Steinitz was an Austrian and later American chess player, and the first World Chess Champion. He held the title from 1886 to 1894.

WilhelmFurtwängler

Wilhelm Furtwängler was a German conductor and composer, widely regarded as one of the greatest conductors of the 20th century. He was known for his interpretations of the works of Beethoven and Wagner.

WilhelmConrad

Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen was a German physicist who discovered X-rays in 1895, for which he was awarded the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.

WilhelmCanaris

Wilhelm Canaris was a German admiral and chief of the Abwehr, the German military intelligence service, during World War II. He was involved in resistance activities against Adolf Hitler.

WilhelmDilthey

Wilhelm Dilthey was a German philosopher, psychologist, and historian, known for his work on hermeneutics and the understanding of human sciences. He emphasized the importance of interpreting historical events and cultural expressions.

WilhelmReich

Wilhelm Reich was an Austrian psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, known for his controversial theories on sexuality and orgone energy. He was influential in the development of Freudian psychoanalysis.

WilhelmBusch

Wilhelm Busch was a German humorist, poet, and illustrator, famous for his satirical and humorous stories and cartoons. He is best known for his work 'Max and Moritz.'

Wilhelm Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Wilhelm' is of German origin and is derived from the Germanic name 'Wilhelm,' which means 'will' (desire) and 'helmet' (protection). It was a popular given name among the Germanic tribes and later became a surname.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Wilhelm' is primarily found in Germany, where it originated. However, due to migration and emigration, it can also be found in other German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland, as well as in countries with German communities like the United States and Brazil.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Wilhelm' include 'Wilhelmi,' 'Wilhelms,' and 'Wilhalm.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe migration and immigration of people with the surname 'Wilhelm' can be traced to various factors such as economic opportunities, political events, and family reunification. Many individuals with the surname 'Wilhelm' emigrated from Germany to the United States and other countries in the 19th and 20th centuries in search of better lives and new opportunities.