Last Name Wilbur

The origin of the last name "Wilbur" can be traced back to England. It is a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. The name is derived from the elements "wil" meaning "will" or "desire," and "burh" which means "fortress" or "stronghold." Therefore, "Wilbur" can be interpreted to mean "desire for protection" or "strong-willed." Over time, variations of the name may have emerged, and the surname could have spread to different parts of the world through migration and immigration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wilbur

The meaning and origin of the last name Wilbur

The surname Wilbur is of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Wilburh." The name is composed of the elements "wil," meaning "will," and "burh," meaning "fortress" or "stronghold." It could be interpreted as "strong-willed" or "fortress of will." As a surname, Wilbur has varying spellings such as Wilber, Wilbore, and Wildboar. It originated as a medieval Germanic given name, later adopted as a surname. The use of surnames became more widespread in Europe during the Middle Ages as a means to differentiate between individuals. Wilbur may have been a nickname or occupational name initially. It is also likely that the name arose from the combination of the given name and a place of residence or a descriptive phrase. Over time, the surname Wilbur has spread across different regions and has evolved with variant spellings and pronunciations. Today, it continues to be found among English-speaking communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wilbur

The last name Wilbur has a somewhat scattered geographical distribution. While the name is most commonly found in the United States, specifically in the New England region, it can also be found in smaller numbers in other parts of the country like the Midwest and West Coast. The name may have been particularly prominent in New England due to the region's early settlement and historical ties to English immigrants. Outside of the United States, the name Wilbur can be found in smaller pockets in other English-speaking countries such as Canada and Australia. It is less commonly seen in non-English speaking countries, although there may be occasional instances of individuals with the last name Wilbur due to migration or other factors. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Wilbur is predominantly concentrated in the United States, particularly in the New England region, but it does have some presence in other English-speaking countries as well.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wilbur

The last name Wilbur has a few variations and spellings that have evolved over time. One common variation is Wilber, with the letter 'u' replaced by 'e'. This spelling change can sometimes be found in historical records or family genealogies. Another variation is Wilbour, where the letter 'r' is replaced by 'u'. This spelling variation was more prevalent in ancient times and is relatively rare today. Additionally, the last name Wilbur can have different spellings based on regional accents or pronunciations. For example, it may be spelled Wilber in some areas of England, while others may use the spelling Wilbur. Other possible variations could include Willber, Wylbur, and even Willbour. These different spellings and variations of the last name Wilbur reflect the individual histories and migrations of Wilbur families throughout the years.

Famous people with the last name Wilbur

One famous person with the last name Wilbur is E.B. White (Elwyn Brooks White), an acclaimed American author known for his beloved children's books, including "Charlotte's Web" and "Stuart Little." White's unique storytelling ability captivated readers of all ages and his works continue to be cherished around the world to this day. Another notable figure is Richard Wilbur, a prominent American poet and literary translator. Wilbur won a Pulitzer Prize for his poetry collection "Things of This World" in 1957, establishing himself as a leading poet of his generation. His elegant use of language and lyrical style have made him a respected and influential figure in the realm of poetry. These individuals, E.B. White and Richard Wilbur, have left a significant impact on literature and have become household names for their remarkable contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Wilbur

The last name Wilbur is of English origin and has a rich genealogical history. The earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the 13th century in the county of Somerset, England. Over the centuries, the Wilbur family expanded and migrated to various parts of England and later to other parts of the world through immigration. The name Wilbur is believed to be derived from the Old English personal name "Wilbeorht," meaning "bright will" or "resolute desire." In America, the Wilbur surname can be found as early as the 17th century, with the arrival of English settlers in New England. Some notable bearers of the Wilbur name include Jonathan Wilbur, an influential Baptist minister in Rhode Island during the 18th century, and Ray Lyman Wilbur, who served as the Secretary of the Interior under Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover. Today, the Wilbur surname continues to thrive with numerous branches and individuals worldwide, making it an integral part of family histories around the globe.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Wilbur"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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