| ![Show Contents]() Wilcken History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 England Wilcken is a name that came to England in the 11th century wave of migration that was set off by the Norman Conquest of 1066. Wilcken comes from the Norman personal name William, which is derived from the words will, meaning resolution and helm, meaning armed. 1 2 Early Origins of the Wilcken familyThe surname Wilcken was first found in Glamorganshire where they held a family seat from early times. They were descended from Robert de Wintona, one of twelve knights who came into Glamorgan with Robert Fitzhamon, a Norman noble, in 1066. Fitzhamon was Sheriff of Kent and founder of Tewkesbury. The Pipe Rolls for Northumberland list the name Wilechm in 1166 and later Wilekinus was found in the Hampshire Pipe Rills for 1191. Richard Wilekin was found in the Pipe Rolls for Hampshire in 1180 and William Wilekin in the Curia Regis Rolls for London in 1220. Roger Wylkyns was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for Staffordshire in 1327. 3 Early History of the Wilcken familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wilcken research. Another 119 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1558, 1601, 1603, 1614, 1618, 1625, 1626, 1668, 1672, 1685, 1699 and 1745 are included under the topic Early Wilcken History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Wilcken Spelling VariationsBefore the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Wilcken were recorded, including Wilkins, Wilkin, Wilkines, Wilkyn, Wilking and others. Early Notables of the Wilcken familyOutstanding amongst the family at this time was John Wilkins FRS (1614-1672), an English clergyman, natural philosopher and author, founder of the Invisible College and one of the founders of the Royal Society, Bishop of Chester from 1668 until his death.Thomas Wilkins (1625 or 1626-1699), was a Welsh cleric and antiquarian; and George Wilkins (died 1618), was an English dramatist and pamphleteer best known for his probable collaboration with Shakespeare on the play Pericles, Prince of Tyre. An inn-keeper by profession, he may have been involved in criminal activities.David Wilkins (1685-1745), was an English...
Another 93 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Wilcken Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Wilcken familyThe unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Wilcken arrived in North America very early: Nicholas Wilking, a juror of St. John's, Newfoundland in 1753; Maudlin Wilkin settled in Barbados in 1654; Bridget and John Wilkines settled in Virginia in 1623.
| Contemporary Notables of the name Wilcken (post 1700) | + |
- George Wilcken Romney (1907-1995), American businessman and politician, chairman and CEO of American Motors Corporation (1954 to 1962), the 43rd Governor of Michigan (1963 to 1969)
- George Wilcken Romney (1907-1995), American Republican politician, Delegate to Michigan State Constitutional Convention from 12th Senatorial District, 1961-62; Governor of Michigan, 1963-69; Resigned 1969 4
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Estote prudentes
Motto Translation: Be ye prudent.
- Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
- Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 20) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
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