Surname Willi - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Unearthing the Roots of ‘Willi’: A Fascinating Expedition into My Surname's History with iGenea
Embarking on a riveting journey with iGenea, I discovered the roots of my family name, ‘Willi’. Utilising an easy, quick, yet comprehensive DNA analysis, I unearthed the geographical and historical origins of my surname, tracing back to the middle ages and across continents.
W. Willi
read moreWilli: What does the surname Willi mean?
The last name Willi is of German origin and is derived from the name Wilhelm, which means "resolute protector." It is likely that those with this surname come from a long line of individuals who have held a strong stance against adversity.
The name Willi is a variation of the more common Wilhelm and Wilhelmina, the female form of the name. The name is composed of the prefix “will” meaning “strong,” combined with the element “helm” which means “protection.” Over time, the name became Willi as the industry of surname specialization grew.
The surname Willi is associated with strength, courage, and determination. Families such as the Willi from the Brandenburg area of East Prussia are quite proud of their heritage, which includes a history of persecution and struggle.
The name Willi, like its predecessor Wilhelm, is commonly found in Germany and in German-American communities, where immigrants from Germany settled during the 19th century. It is also present in the Polish population of central Europe, but is most commonly associated with Germanic, Bavarian and Swiss cultures.
The name Willi is versatile and embodies traits such as determination, loyalty and empathy. Those with this surname are usually known for their strong convictions, a preparedness to take action, and caring natures. In the past, this has been an important part of their success.
Order DNA origin analysisWilli: Where does the name Willi come from?
The last name Willi is most common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland where it is derived from the first name Wilhelm. The name Willi is a variant of the Germanic name Willahelm, composed of the elements "wil", meaning "will or desire" and "helm", meaning "helmet" or "protection". The Germanic name was a popular name among medieval German kings, and eventually developed into the last name Willi as a patronymic surname.
In the United States, Willi is the 2,042nd most common surname, making it more common than in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is especially concentrated in the Midwestern states, especially in the Upper Midwest. Willi is the 427th most common name in Minnesota, 858th in Iowa, 867th in Wisconsin, and 882nd in North Dakota.
In Canada, the last name Willi is less common, ranked as the 35,206th most common surname. It is concentrated in the province of Quebec, where it is the 7,254th most common name.
Overall, the last name Willi is most common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, but it can also be found in the United States and Canada.
Variations of the surname Willi
The surname Willi is an anglicized version of the German language surname Will, originating from the Germanic name Vilhelmo, which comes from the Germanic element "wil" meaning "will or desire" and "helm" meaning "helmet or protection". The surname Willi is also found in some variant spellings such as Wille, Willey, and Wilie. Additionally, many surnames derived from Willi can be found in various cultures and countries, including Willens, Willems, Willemse, and Willison, as well as their variants.
It is not uncommon to find the surname Willi throughout places in Northern and Central Europe, specifically in countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. In addition, the surname Willi can be found throughout the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, and Scotland.
It is interesting to note that the surname Willi is particularly common in Norway due to its prevalence in the southern region of that country. The surname Willi is also common throughout Australia, particularly amongst those with Norwegian ancestry. Interestingly, the surname Willi is also found in African countries, such as Nigeria, where the name is an adapted form of the German Vilhelmo.
The various spellings of Willi, as well as the surnames derived from it, have been popular throughout history. This is due in part to the widespread migration of families who have been able to maintain the same surnames throughout generations. Additionally, due to the increasing global interconnectivity of cultures, more people are being exposed to the various forms of the surname Willi.
Famous people with the name Willi
- Mirko Willi: German skier, competed in two Winter Olympics.
- Marko Willi: Paralympic cyclist from Slovenia.
- Lyndsey Willi: American actress who starred in the horror film Infected
- Si Willi: South African professional rugby player.
- Josh Willi: American singer-songwriter.
- Joseph Willi: Austrian football player.
- Wolfram Willi: German politician.
- Susanne Willi: Swiss ice dancer and coach.
- Manish Willi: Indian writer and director.
- Nico Willi: Swiss tennis player.
- Thomas Willi: Swiss ice hockey player.
- Erich Willi: German writer and editor.
- Magnus Willi: Swedish cross-country skier.
- Jeffrey Willi: American actor, director, and producer.
- Francheska Willi: Colombian Olympic fencer.
- Christoph Willi: Swiss cyclist.
- François Willi: French sculptor.
- Monica Willi: Jamaican-born British professional wrestler.
- Sonam Willi: Bhutanese climber and mountaineer.
- Gunter Willi: German ice hockey player.