Surname Eigenwillig - Meaning and Origin
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Eigenwillig: What does the surname Eigenwillig mean?
The last name Eigenwillig is German in origin and can be translated to mean "self-willed". It is believed to be of occupational origin, referring to a professional or someone who was self-determined or independent in thought and action. This could be someone in an aristocratic or religious position who had the freedom to make decisions for themselves without having to consult others for approval. The name is also thought to refer to a person who had a pronounced sense of individuality, being different or unique compared to others.
The name also stands out for its philosophic implications. This includes a person's independence from the societal constraints of others as well as from their own limitations. It also implies a strong sense of self-control and self-determination, a person who is not at the mercy of circumstances and can take matters into their own hands and rely on their inner strength and will power to make decisions.
Therefore, the name Eigenwillig signifies someone who has a strong autonomy of the spirit, with an inner strength and determination to remain true to their convictions. It is a bold name that stands for independence in thought and action, representing someone who has a true sense of self and the courage to stand up for their beliefs and values.
Order DNA origin analysisEigenwillig: Where does the name Eigenwillig come from?
The last name Eigenwillig is most commonly found in Germany and Austria. It is believed to be of a Germanic origin, derived from the personal name Eginwig. In Austria, the Eigenwillig surname is most commonly found in the states of Upper Austria, Tyrol and Salzburg. In Germany, it is most common in the southwestern regions, particularly the Palatine region, Rhineland, and Bavaria. It is also found to a lesser extent in other German-speaking countries such as Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
The surname is not especially common, but is known to have been present in the area since at least the 16th century – documents from 1553 mention a Hans Eigenwillig in Regensburg. Today, those bearing the Eigenwillig surname in Germany are mainly concentrated in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemburg. In Austria, this surname is concentrated mainly in the state of Upper Austria. Overall, the last name Eigenwillig is most commonly found in Germanic speaking countries in Central Europe.
Variations of the surname Eigenwillig
The surname Eigenwillig is derived from a German word meaning "independent will" or "self-powered". The variants of this surname are often spelled as Eigenwill, Eignwill, Egonwill or Yenwill, as well as surnames derived from similar roots such as Egenwill, Egwill, Eigengwill or even Yenwillig. Additional forms of this name include Yegenwillig, Eugenwillig, Egonwillig, Eckenwillig and Eigengwillig.
The origin of the surname is believed to date back to the mid 15th century in Germany, where it is likely to have been adopted by families looking to show their independence and self-determination. As such, the name was particularly popular in the areas of Hesse, Prussia, and Bavaria.
Today, the surname is now relatively widespread across the German-speaking world, particularly in western and southern Germany, as well as in parts of the USA, Canada, and Australia. Variants of the surname, compared to the original spelling of Eigenwillig, are also found in various countries, including England, Scotland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Poland, and Russia.
Despite the fact that the surname is highly specific to German culture, it has spread far and wide, and is generally seen to be a particularly independent and spirited name, representing someone who is determined in their pursuit of their goals and ambitions. Certainly a unique and distinctive choice for naming, Eigenwillig remains one of the most distinct Germanic surnames today.
Famous people with the name Eigenwillig
- Björn Eigenwillig: professional cyclist from Germany, member of the UCI ProTeam Team Vorarlberg Santic.
- David Eigenwillig: Austrian professional footballer who plays as a defender for LASK.
- Nik Eigenwillig: German manager and former professional footballer who has managed clubs such as SV Babelsberg 03, SV Wilhelmshaven and FC Ingolstadt 04.
- Marco Eigenwillig: German professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for SV Waldhof Mannheim.
- Michael Eigenwillig: German entrepreneur and film producer who is the founder and CEO of the Mongol Film Group.
- Uwe Eigenwillig: German professional football coach and former footballer who has managed clubs such as Arminia Bielefeld, TSV 1860 Munich, and FC Ingolstadt 04.
- Albrecht Eigenwillig: German professional football coach and former footballer who has worked with various clubs, such as RB Leipzig, FC Ingolstadt 04, and VfL Bochum.
- Viktor Eigenwillig: Austrian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Hallescher FC.
- Günter Eigenwillig: German professional football coach and former footballer who has managed clubs such as TSV Lechhausen, FV Biberach, and SV Wehen Wiesbaden.
- Elisabeth Eigenwillig: Austrian swimmer who competed in the 1972 and 1976 Olympics.