Discover people named Anne Vilhelmsdatter

The last name Vilhelmsdatter is of Scandinavian origin, specifically rooted in Norway and Denmark, where it historically denoted a patronymic surname meaning "daughter of Wilhelm." The name Wilhelm itself is derived from the Germanic elements "wil," meaning "will" or "desire," and "helm," meaning "helmet" or "protection," thus signifying "the resolute protector." This surname reflects the common practice in Nordic cultures of forming surnames based on the father's first name, with "datter" indicating lineage through the female line. Variations of Vilhelmsdatter can be found in different regions, such as Vilhelmsdotter in Sweden, which follows a similar patronymic structure, and the more modernized forms like Vilhelmsen, which may be used in contemporary contexts. The use of such surnames highlights the historical significance of familial connections and lineage in Scandinavian societies, where names often conveyed both heritage and social identity.