Wilmes History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Germany

The German state of Prussia, which reached the zenith of its power in the late 19th century, is the glorious birthplace of the distinguished surname Wilmes. In the medieval era, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the German lands were inhabited by a variety of Barbarian tribes. The borders of the Barbarian kingdoms changed frequently, but the region that became known in Prussia was roughly divided between the areas of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia, and East Prussia. The colorful history of Brandenburg-Prussia, which is essentially the birthplace of modern Germany, provides a glimpse at the oldest origins of the Wilmes family.

Early Origins of the Wilmes family

The surname Wilmes was first found in northern Germany, where the name was associated in early mediaeval times with the feudal society which would become prominent throughout European history. The name would eventually emerge as belonging to a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches, and become noted for its involvement in social, economic and political affairs. Its use as a Surname must be traced back to its immense popularity as a first name early in the Middle Ages. Indeed, one chronicle mentions a knight's feast in Bayeux around 1171 A.D. in which alone 117 Wilhelms were listed as taking part.

Early History of the Wilmes family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wilmes research. Another 87 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1709, 1812, 1845 and 1864 are included under the topic Early Wilmes History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wilmes Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Wilmes include Wilhelm, Wilhem, Wilhelmi (Latinized), Wilhelmy, Wilhelmus (Latinized), Wilhelms, Wilhelmsen (Holstein), Wilhalm (Bavaria, Austria), Wilms (Friesland) and many more.

Early Notables of the Wilmes family

More information is included under the topic Early Wilmes Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wilmes Ranking

In the United States, the name Wilmes is the 14,441^st most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1

Wilmes migration to the United States +

Prussia played an extremely influential role in shaping modern German history. It remained a part of Germany until after the Second World War. Prussia was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. Many Prussians became residents of these new countries after the War, and many migrated to other parts of Germany or Europe, as well as to North America. In the United States, the majority of settlers landed in Philadelphia, and moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Many German settlers also migrated to Canada, particularly to Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Wilmes were

Wilmes Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Theodore Wilmes, aged 15, who settled in America, in 1892
J. B. Wilmes, aged 29, who landed in America, in 1895
Marie Wilmes, aged 8, who settled in America, in 1895
Peter Wilmes, aged 31, who immigrated to the United States, in 1896

Wilmes Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Franz J. Wilmes, aged 46, who immigrated to the United States, in 1903
Glen Wilmes, aged 2, who landed in America, in 1906
Mrs. J. G. Wilmes, aged 34, who landed in America, in 1906
Madeline Wilmes, aged 31, who landed in America, in 1908
Wilhelm Wilmes, aged 43, who immigrated to the United States, in 1910
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Wilmes (post 1700) +

Gary Wilmes, American actor, best known for his role in Salt (2010)

Citations +

"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/