Surname Waldheim - Meaning and Origin
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Waldheim: What does the surname Waldheim mean?
The last name Waldheim is a German-language name derived from the Old High German words walt (forest) and heim (home). Together, these two words form a composed name meaning "forest home". This demonstrates the root word's connection to the natural environment, and implies that the Waldheim family's origin may have been farmland or a rural area near an area of woodland.
The exact origins of the Waldheim family are unknown, though it is thought that the family likely has a long history of living in Europe, possibly having its roots in the high governments of the medieval era. During the 1800s, the Waldheim family migrated to the United States, where today there are still numerous Waldheim families living in America.
Because of its connections to the natural landscape of Germany, the name Waldheim may be associated with an appreciation of nature, and perhaps with a reverence for the environment. Furthermore, the Waldheim surname may be connected to positive, hardworking traits, as this is what would have been needed to establish, and then succeed, in a rural European setting.
Order DNA origin analysisWaldheim: Where does the name Waldheim come from?
The last name Waldheim is most commonly found in Austria today. It is believed to have originated from the middle ages when wealthy landowners or noblemen conferred the name on their sons. The surname Waldheim has been in prominent Austrian families since the 16th century. It is one of the oldest Austrian last names and is still quite common in the country today.
Most of the people with the last name Waldheim are of Austrian origin, though some may be from other countries, such as Germany or Switzerland. It is most likely that they have some relation to Austria, either through family history or shared ancestry. Spelling variations of the name Waldheim have included Waltham, Waldem, Waltheim and Waldham.
The Waldheim family is said to have been well established in Austria since the 11th century, when they owned quite a bit of land throughout the country. It has since grown in size and influence and has been a large part of Austrian culture for many centuries. Although not as common today, the last name Waldheim can still be found in numerous families scattered around Austria.
Variations of the surname Waldheim
The surname Waldheim has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
The most common variant is Waldheym, which originated in Germany from the Middle High German walh meaning ‘foreigner’.
Alternate spellings include Waldheimm, Waldheimm, Waldheymer, Waldheeim and Waldheimmer.
Surnames with similar origins include Waldhimer, Waldman, Waltheim,
Waltman and Walther.
The Waldheim surname is found throughout Europe, with the greatest numbers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It also has a long history in North and South America, primarily in Argentina, Brazil and the U.S..
The surname is also quite common in Jewish communities, with variants including Valderheim, Valderman, Waldermand, Waldermann, Walderman, Waldermann, Waldermensch and Wattman.
Due to migration, the surname has spread to other parts of the world as well, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
In the United States, there are several documented members of the Waldheim family dating back to the 18th century, including the Revolutionary War hero, Felix Waldheim, who served in the Second Canadian Cayuga County Regiment.
Other related surnames may include Waldhaur, Waldhair, Waldhouse and Waldmanse.
Famous people with the name Waldheim
- Kurt Waldheim: Former United Nations Secretary-General
- Ernst Waldheim: German novelist
- Christoph Waldheim: Swedish philosopher, psychophysicist and historian of science
- Johann Baptiste Waldheim: German botanist
- Edmund Waldheim: German theologian
- Nathan Waldheim: Former Israeli politician
- Robert Waldheim: American author
- Natasha Waldheim: American documentary filmmaker
- Stephanie Waldheim: Austrian singer
- Leo Waldheim: Austrian playwright
- Lavina Waldheim: Danish costume designer
- Radim Waldheim: Czech ice hockey player
- Alexander Waldheim: German discoverer of Loess in Transylvania
- Sigmund Waldheim: Austrian physiologist and zoologist
- Michael Waldheim: Austrian economist
- Andreas Waldheim: German Lutheran theologian
- Klaudia Waldheim: Austrian Paralympic swimmer
- Elias Waldheim: Danish Enlightenment scholar
- Elizabeth Waldheim: German author
- Matt Waldheim: American professional soccer player