Summary

The surname Wilbur is of English origin and dates back to the medieval times. It is derived from the combination of the Old English words 'wil' meaning 'desire' and 'burh' meaning 'fortress' or 'castle.' This surname may have originated as a nickname for someone who was associated with a fortress or had a strong desire for power and protection.
There are
9527
Wilburs in the USA
Wilbur is the
3719th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Wilbur

OrvilleWright

One of the Wright brothers, Orville Wright was an aviation pioneer. He, along with his brother, invented, built, and flew the world's first successful airplane, the Wright Flyer, in 1903.

GeorgeWilbur

George Wilbur Peck was an American author and politician. He served as the Governor of Wisconsin from 1891 to 1895 and was known for his humor and satirical writings.

SylvanusThayer

Sylvanus Thayer was an American military engineer and the "Father of the U.S. Military Academy." He played a crucial role in transforming West Point into a prestigious educational institution.

CorneliusVanderbilt

Cornelius Vanderbilt III was a prominent American businessman and socialite. He was a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family and made significant contributions to various charitable organizations.

EllaWheeler

Ella Wheeler Wilcox was an American author and poet. She wrote numerous inspirational and sentimental poems, including the famous line, 'Laugh, and the world laughs with you; weep, and you weep alone.'

AliceVanderbilt

Alice Vanderbilt Morris was an American philanthropist and influential socialite. She was actively involved in various charitable activities, including supporting art, education, and healthcare initiatives.

Wilbur Genealogy

OriginsThe surname Wilbur has English origins.
Geographic DistributionWilbur is commonly found in the United States and Canada.
VariationsAlternate variations of the surname Wilbur include Wilber, Wilburton, and Wilberforce.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration of individuals with the surname Wilbur occurred during the 19th and 20th centuries. Common destinations included the United States and Canada. Reasons for migration and immigration varied but often included economic opportunities, seeking a better life, and joining family members already settled in these regions.