Surname Walders - Meaning and Origin
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Walders: What does the surname Walders mean?
The last name “Walders” is likely derived from a Middle Low German term associated with forestry. In this context, the term Walders may have referred to a person who lives in a “Wald” (a forest) or who governs the trees in a forest. In modern German "walders" generally refers to "masters of woods". The longstanding tradition for such masters of woods was for them to have a unique surname, with Walders being today’s most popular among them.
Similar surnames also exist in other Germanic languages and are widely believed to refer to individuals involved with forestry. Walders is an ancient family name that is still common throughout several parts of Germany—especially in the area of Bavaria. The traditional meaning behind it would suggest that the Walders family have ties to handle environmental matters related to forests. They may have historically either managed woods, brought timber to the market, or simply lived in the forest.
In English, the name Walders can be translated to mean “woodman” or “forest keeper”, implying a strong connection between the Walders family and the forests of Germany. Ultimately, this ancient surname is a tribute to those who have worked tirelessly to preserve the forests of Germany, a reminder of the integral role they played in the history and development of the nation.
Order DNA origin analysisWalders: Where does the name Walders come from?
The last name Walders is a relatively uncommon name, with the majority of those who bear it living in Western Europe.
In Germany, the Walders surname is most prevalent in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Rhineland-Palatinate. It was common among those in the German states during the 1930s, but during the years of Nazi rule, many changed their last names to something more common in the region.
In France, the Walders name is somewhat rare, but those who bear it are mainly concentrated in the northern regions, particularly in Normandy and Brittany. It's not entirely clear if the Walders family were originally from France or not, although it's possible they may have moved to this region from another part of Europe.
The Walders surname is also found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England, Scotland, and Wales. It appears to have become established in the British Isles after the Huguenots, a group of French-speaking Protestants, fled religious persecution in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries.
The last name Walders is also found in the United States, particularly among descendants of European immigrants. The earliest Walders settlers in the US are thought to have come from Germany, though some may have originally been from France.
Overall, the Walders surname is relatively rare today, with most of its bearers living in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Variations of the surname Walders
The surname Walders is primarily derived from the Old German words “wald” and “heri-s” meaning “guardian of the forest”. It likely originated in Germany, but has spread throughout Europe over the centuries.
The most common variant of this surname is Walders, but there are many other spellings and surnames which have the same root. Variations may include: Wahlers, Walthers, Waulters, Wealters, Wehlers, Weihlters, Weillers, Wellers, Wallers, Wollers, Woyters and Wulfers.
Other related surnames, which are derived from the same root as Walders, may include Valder, Valthar, Wahl, Wähler, Walder, Walther, Walthar, Wälther, Wealder, Weil, Weil-der, Weis, Weishaupt, Weisch, Weith and Welf.
The Walders surname may also be found in various countries and cultures around the world. It could be German, Dutch, Flemish, Hungarian, Polish, or Ukrainian in origin.
In the United States, the most common spelling of Walders is Walters, which is also an anglicized version. Other related surnames such as Water, Waltz, Waters, Watt, Watters, Watts and Watterson are also found in the U.S.
Famous people with the name Walders
- Grete Walders — An Austrian actress who appeared in films in Austria during the 1920s and 1930s.
- Lucy Walders — A British actress best known for her role in the TV mini-series ‘Tales of the City’ as Mona Ramsey.
- Joyce Walders — An American Broadway star of the late 1950s and 1960s.
- Patrick Walders — An American film editor with credits on films such as Rocky and John Q.
- Joseph Walders — A South African composer and musicologist.
- William Walders — A Canadian recipient of the Order of Canada for his dedication to the preservation of Canadian film and television archives.
- David Walders — A UK news anchor and political interviewer.
- Don Walders — An American artist and blacksmith whose artwork is displayed in several public and private collections throughout the US.
- Marvin Walders — A German-American composer whose music has been performed by numerous symphonies as well as choirs and orchestras.
- Samuel Walders — A Dutch photographer best known for his groundbreaking aerial photographs of the Netherlands.