Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Willhelmus

      Origin

      Dutch

      Meaning

      Will Refers to Desire, Helmus is Helmet

      Variations

      Wilhelmus, Willermus, Willhelm
      The name Willhelmus is of Dutch origin and is a compound name derived from two elements: Will and Helmus. The first component, Will, signifies desire or will, reflecting determination and intention, while the second part, Helmus, translates to helmet, symbolizing protection and defense. Together, the name can be interpreted as the desire for protection or will to defend, making it a fitting choice for someone who values strength and resilience.

      The name Willhelmus has significant historical weight, particularly in the context of Dutch heritage. It is famously associated with William of Orange, known as Wilhelmus van Nassouwe, the Dutch leader who played a crucial role in the Eighty Years' War against Spanish rule in the late 16th century. This association led to the name's prominence in Dutch history, with the Wilhelmus being the title of the Dutch national anthem, one of the oldest anthems in the world. The name has been passed down through generations, often signifying a connection to national pride and resistance.

      In contemporary times, the name Willhelmus is less common as a first name but remains culturally significant in the Netherlands. It is often used in historical contexts, literature, and references to the national anthem. In modern society, elements of the name manifest in various forms, including surnames and cultural references, reflecting a strong sense of heritage and national identity. While it may not be widely used as a personal name, its legacy endures through ongoing discussions of Dutch history and national symbols.

      Based on our records...

      Mueller

      Mueller

      This is the most common surname associated with Willhelmus.
      Catharina

      Catharina

      This is the most common name of those married to a Willhelmus.
      Anna

      Anna

      This is the most common name for a child of a Willhelmus.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1811 is when there were the most people born with the first name Willhelmus.

      Explore the origins of another name.