Last Name Wilhelmsen

The surname Wilhelmsen is a patronymic derived from the given name Wilhelm (will-helm, meaning "will-helmet" in English). This name has Scandinavian origins and is particularly common among Norwegians and Danes. It originated as a personal name in the Middle Ages, becoming popular due to various historical figures named Wilhelm. As families began using surnames during the Late Middle Ages, patronymic surnames like Wilhelmsen (son of Wilhelm) were frequently adopted.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wilhelmsen

The meaning and origin of the last name Wilhelmsen

The surname Wilhelmsen is of Scandinavian origin, specifically within the Germanic-speaking regions of Norway and Denmark. It derives from the personal name Wilhelm, which means "will (desire) protection as a helmet" in Old High German. The -sen suffix is a common Scandinavian patronymic suffix indicating that the surname was originally a byname or nickname for the son of Wilhelm. Over time, as families migrated and settled, variations such as Vilhelmsen, Wilhelmson, Willemsen, etc., emerged due to spelling changes, dialects, and other factors. The popularity of this name can be attributed to the widespread use of the name Wilhelm in Scandinavia, particularly during the Middle Ages when personal names were often passed down as surnames. Today, Wilhelmsen is most common within the Scandinavian countries but can also be found among their diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wilhelmsen

The surname Wilhelmsen is predominantly distributed across Norway and other Scandinavian countries due to its historical origins from these regions. A significant percentage of individuals with this last name reside in Norway, where it ranks among the top 200 most common surnames. In addition, substantial populations can be found in Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland, reflecting the Scandinavian heritage shared by these countries. The name has also been transplanted to other parts of the world through immigration, particularly to North America, with concentrations in the United States, Canada, and Greenland, which are territories with historical ties to Denmark. Furthermore, smaller populations of Wilhelmsen can be found in Germany, where the name is derived, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, and select countries in Europe and South America due to migration patterns over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wilhelmsen

The surname Wilhelmsen is primarily of Scandinavian origin and has several variants and spellings due to linguistic differences among Nordic countries, regional dialects, and transcription errors over time. These variations include: Wilhelmson, Wilhelmsen, Vilhelmsen, Vilhelmson, Wilhjelmsson, Vilhjálmsson, Vilhelmssen, and possibly others depending on specific local spelling conventions. The name can be traced back to the Old Norse personal name Vilhjálmr, composed of the elements vil meaning "will" or "desire," and hjálmr, a compound of helmr (helmet) or halmr (stallion), symbolizing protection or power. Over the centuries, various phonetic, orthographic, and cultural influences have resulted in the diverse spellings of this surname found in modern genealogical records and historical documents.

Famous people with the last name Wilhelmsen

Wilhelmsen is a Norwegian patronymic surname that has produced several notable individuals. One of the most renowned is Knut Wilhelmsen (1872-1936), a prominent Norwegian politician who served as the Prime Minister of Norway from 1920 to 1921 and again from 1923 to 1924. He was also a key figure in the establishment of the Labour Party in Norway. In the field of entertainment, Sissel Kyrkjebø (born 1969), better known by her stage name Sissel, is a celebrated Norwegian singer and actress who has achieved international success with her rendition of "Angel of the Morning." Another well-known figure is Magnus Wilhelmsen (born 1972), a Norwegian footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Rosenborg BK and FC København, and represented Norway in international competitions.

Genealogical research on the last name Wilhelmsen

The surname Wilhelmsen is of Norwegian origin, stemming from the Old Norse personal name "Volundr" or "Völundr," which later evolved into the Old Norwegian form "Volundr," and finally to its modern Norwegian form "Wilhelmsen." This patronymic surname was derived from the given name of the father, in this case, Volundr. The name is primarily found in Norway and neighboring regions, with a significant concentration in Telemark, Vestfold, and Rogaland counties. Notable individuals with the Wilhelmsen surname include Arild Wilhelmsen, a Norwegian politician and jurist, and Ole Wilhelmson, a Swedish sailor who was one of the first Europeans to explore North America in the early 16th century. The name is also found among the Scandinavian diaspora in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Wilhelmsen"
• 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 June 2025

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