Last Name Vilt

The surname Vilt is believed to have Germanic origins. It is derived from the Old High German word "filt," meaning "dust" or "pollen." Over time, it may have been a topographical name for someone who lived near a dusty or pollen-covered area, or a nickname for someone with dusty or dry hair. However, like many surnames, its exact origin can vary and may be specific to certain regions or families.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vilt

The meaning and origin of the last name Vilt

The surname Vilt is of Old German origin, derived from the given name "Wilhelm" which means "will helmet" or "protection warrior." The name Wilhelm evolved into the diminutive form "Vilte" and eventually became the modern spelling of "Vilt" as a surname. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have occurred due to factors such as migration, language shifts, and transcription errors. In some cases, the name may also be found spelled as Vilet or Vilteau, reflecting regional dialects and changes over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vilt

The surname Vilt is predominantly found in Lithuania, where it originates. It is one of the more common surnames in the country and is often associated with the region of Alytus, Siauliai, and Kaunas. Outside of Lithuania, the name is sparsely distributed, appearing in other Eastern European countries such as Poland, Latvia, and Belarus due to historical migrations. In the United States and Canada, individuals with the surname Vilt mainly originate from Lithuanian immigration waves during the 20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vilt

The surname Vilt can have various forms, spellings, and pronunciations due to differences in transcription and regional dialects over time. Here are some possible variations:

* Vit, as a phonetic variant that might be used in different languages or dialects where the 'v' sound is not present
* Wilt, a common misspelling of Vilt, especially when typed quickly
* Vilte, Viltt, Viltté, Vilttay, and similar forms with added suffixes to indicate feminine gender or plural in some languages or dialects.

Additionally, there may be geographical variations based on the original place of origin, such as German, Lithuanian, or Scandinavian, which could lead to different spellings like Witel, Vilts, or Vilten. It's important to note that these variations might not always represent distinct surnames but rather alternative ways of spelling a common family name.

Famous people with the last name Vilt

The Vilt surname is less common and does not have as many globally recognized figures compared to more prevalent names. However, one notable person with this last name is John Vilt (1927-2004), an American football coach. He served as the head coach for the University of Colorado Boulder's football team from 1963 to 1972. During his tenure, he led the Buffaloes to a conference championship and a win in the Orange Bowl. Another notable figure is Marius Viltas (born 1948), a Lithuanian composer and musician. He has made significant contributions to Lithuanian contemporary music, having composed numerous operas, symphonies, and chamber works. His music is known for its emotional intensity and innovative use of traditional musical elements.

Genealogical research on the last name Vilt

The surname Vilt is of Slavic origin, derived from the personal name Vitold, which is a variant of Vladislav, meaning "rule of glory." This name was popular among the Grand Duchy of Lithuania's ruling family, the Gediminids, during the Middle Ages. Notable figures with this surname include Vitautas (Vytautas) the Great, a Grand Duke of Lithuania in the 14th century, and Jonas Vileišis, a Lithuanian poet and linguist in the 19th century.

The name spread throughout Eastern Europe due to historical events such as the partitioning of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Great Migration from Russia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Vilt is most common in Lithuania but can also be found in other Slavic countries, as well as North America due to immigration. Genealogical research on the surname Vilt involves tracing its various branches throughout history and connecting them to specific regions and notable figures.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vilt"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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