Wilkens

Wilkens is a surname of Germanic origin, most common in parts of Germany, the Netherlands, and neighboring regions, with presence in North America due to migration. It is typically considered patronymic, derived from the given name Wilhelm (William). The suffix -kens is a diminutive or kinship element in Dutch and Frisian naming, yielding a meaning such as "son of Wilhelm" or "descendant of Wilhelm."

Variants and related forms include Wilken, Wilken(s), Wilkins, and Wilkinson. In some regions, Wilkens developed independently as a habitational surname from places named Wilken or Wilkens in historical records. The name has been borne by individuals across professions, including sport, science, arts, and politics, though specific biographical details depend on the person.

In genealogical and historical contexts, Wilkens appears in parish registers and civil records in the Netherlands, Westphalia, and East Frisia, with emigration to North America in the 19th and 20th centuries contributing to its presence in the United States and Canada.