Find out how popular the last name Wilmerding is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Wilmerding.

Wilmerding, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Wilmerding surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Wilmerding in America

Wilmerding is the 159712th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Wilmerding surname appeared 101 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Wilmerding.

The history of the last name Wilmerding

The surname Wilmerding originates from Germany, with its roots tracing back to the medieval period. It is likely derived from the combination of an Old High German personal name and a toponymic suffix, suggesting geographical origin or habitation. The name "Wilmer" is a variant of the Old High German "Williemar," which means "will" or "desire" combined with "mari," meaning "famous." The suffix "ding" is indicative of places or regions, roughly translating to "settlement" or "domain."

Wilmerding first appears in historical records in the Rhineland, an area that has been a cultural and political crossroads for centuries. One of the earliest references appears in a document from the late 13th century, where a landholder named Johannes von Wilmerding is mentioned in a feudal register. The spelling and usage of the surname have varied over time, reflecting local dialects and linguistic shifts. Early documents show the name in forms such as Willmerdingen and Wilmersding.

In the centuries that followed, the surname spread throughout Germany and into neighboring regions. During the 16th and 17th centuries, there are records of several individuals with the surname Wilmerding involved in trade and local governance. One notable individual is Peter Wilmerding, born in 1620, who served as a town councilor in Cologne and was documented in city records of the time.

The surname also migrated to America in the 18th and 19th centuries, coinciding with waves of German immigration. Early immigrants included Johann Wilhelm Wilmerding, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1745 and established a successful farmstead. His descendants played significant roles in the local community, contributing to the development of the area.

One of the most prominent bearers of the surname in American history is Charles Wilmerding, born in 1812, who became a well-known industrialist and philanthropist in New York City. He was instrumental in the development of several manufacturing enterprises and donated large sums to educational and charitable causes.

The name also appears in historical records of the 19th century in connection with the establishment of Wilmerding, Pennsylvania, a town founded by William G. Wilmerding, born in 1833. He played a pivotal role in the industrial expansion during that period, particularly through his involvement with the Westinghouse Air Brake Company.

Another notable individual is Frederic Wilmerding, born in 1858, who was a financier and philanthropist in the United States. He made significant contributions to the arts and education, endowing several institutions and supporting the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. His legacy is still recognized today through various charitable foundations that bear his name.

Across centuries, the Wilmerding surname has been associated with significant contributions to local governance, industry, and philanthropy, reflecting the evolving history of the regions in which its bearers have lived and influenced. The surname’s historical trajectory showcases a blend of regional ties and personal accomplishments, marking its place in various historical records and personal legacies.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Wilmerding

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Wilmerding.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Wilmerding was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Wilmerding was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Wilmerding, please contact us.

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