wilken
Wilken is a surname of German origin, commonly understood as a diminutive or patronymic form derived from the given name Wilhelm (the German form of William). The -ken suffix is a familiar element in German and Dutch surname formation, often signaling a diminutive or affectionate form, and in this case linking the name to Wilhelm.
Geographically, Wilken is found in German-speaking regions and in the Netherlands, where related spellings such as
As with many surnames of Germanic origin, Wilken has diversified in spelling over time and by country.
Variant spellings and related names include Wilkens, Wilk, Wilkie, and Wilkins. These forms share the same root