Wilhelmi History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
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 Wilhelmi. 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 Wilhelmi family.

Early Origins of the Wilhelmi family

The surname Wilhelmi 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 Wilhelmi family

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

Wilhelmi 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 Wilhelmi include Wilhelm, Wilhem, Wilhelmi (Latinized), Wilhelmy, Wilhelmus (Latinized), Wilhelms, Wilhelmsen (Holstein), Wilhalm (Bavaria, Austria), Wilms (Friesland) and many more.

Early Notables of the Wilhelmi family

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

Wilhelmi migration to the United States +

The state of Prussia was a great influence on the shape of modern Germany. After the Second World War, Prussia's land was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany and the state was abolished. Some Prussians remained in those countries after the war, while many others migrated to North America in search of a new start. Philadelphia was their primary point of entry to the United States, after which many of them moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. A large number of Prussians also migrated to Ontario and the prairie provinces as United Empire Loyalists. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Wilhelmis to arrive in North America, and among them were:

Wilhelmi Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Joh Jost Wilhelmi, who landed in America in 1709-1711 1
Jacob Wilhelmi, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1734 1
Valentin Wilhelmi, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1734 1
Johan Georg Wilhelmi, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1754 1

Wilhelmi Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Johann Wilhelmi, who landed in San Francisco, California in 1850 1
Johannes Wilhelmi, who arrived in San Francisco, California in 1850 1
Elisabeth Wilhelmi, who arrived in San Francisco, California in 1850 1
Friedrich Wilhelmi, who landed in New York, NY in 1852 1
Joseph Joh Anton Wilhelmi, who landed in America in 1854 1
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Wilhelmi migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Wilhelmi Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Corsten Deidrich Wilhelmi, aged 29, a farmer, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Martha Ridgeway" in 1840
Marguerita Wilhelmi, aged 28, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Martha Ridgeway" in 1840
Mr. Corsten Deidrich Wilhelmi, (b. 1811), aged 29, British farmer travelling from England aboard the ship "Martha Ridgway" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 14th November 1840 2
Mrs. Marguerita Wilhelmi, (b. 1812), aged 28, British settler travelling from England aboard the ship "Martha Ridgway" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 14th November 1840 2
Miss Wilhelmi, (b. 1834), aged 6, British settler travelling from England aboard the ship "Martha Ridgway" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 14th November 1840 2
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Wilhelmi (post 1700) +

Arthur Wilhelmi, American politician, Democratic member of the Illinois Senate
Johann Freiderich Carl Wilhelmi (1829-1884), German-born seedsman who made large collections of botanical specimens in southern Australia
Roman Wilhelmi (1936-1991), Polish theatre and film actor

Citations +

Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html