Surname Weffer - Meaning and Origin
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Weffer: What does the surname Weffer mean?
Weffer is an uncommon surname derived from the German/Austrian name Weif, which was a nickname for someone with white or fair hair. The name is believed to have been derived from the Old High German word “weif” which means “white.” The etymology of this name suggests that it was used in the medieval period to refer to someone who stands out, or is easily recognizable due to their fair hair.
The Weffer surname is rarely found in Europe, but is more common in the United States. The first Weffer family in America arrived in 1693 from Germany. The Weffer surname was also found in Pennsylvania by 1790.
As the Weffer surname spread to different parts of the United States, it became tangled with other surnames, such as Wohlfeifer and Weiffer, which can mean “white defender” and “white fighter” respectively. In some parts of the country, it has become known as the Whiffer surname, as well.
Generally, those who carry the Weffer surname are proud of their German heritage. Even though the Weffers may have a hard time finding out the exact origin of their surname, many families with this surname keep old records and photographs that help them trace their family history.
The last name Weffer is a reminder of a distant past that still carries with it a sense of pride and identity. Its origins serve as an ongoing reminder of a unique, though often overlooked, part of our history.
Order DNA origin analysisWeffer: Where does the name Weffer come from?
The last name Weffer appears to be most commonly found in Germany, the United States and Jamaica.
In Germany, the surname Weffer is derived from either Middle High German or the Swedish name ‘Wäffer’, which translates as “watchman”. It is found mainly in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
In the United States, the earliest prominent Weffer family whose surname appeared in records can be traced to the early 1800s in Pennsylvania. Since then the Weffer surname has spread across the US, and can now be found in many states, such as California, Texas, New York, and in many other regions.
In Jamaica, the surname Weffer was most likely brought to the country by migrants from Germany who were seeking work and a new life. The 1860 Jamaica Census shows that the Weffer surname was the fourth most common German surname found in Jamaica at that time. Today the surname Weffer is found in many towns and cities throughout the country, including Kingston, Spanish Town and Montego Bay.
Overall, the surname Weffer has gained some popularity over recent years and is today found in many countries around the world.
Variations of the surname Weffer
The surname Weffer is of German origin and can be found spelled in many different ways. It is commonly found written as Wefer, Weffers, Wefferling, Weffert, Wefferts, Weffen, Weffens, Wefferd, Wefferds, Weffertz, Weffertzs, Weffertts, Vefer, Vefers, Veferling, Vefert, Veferts, Veffen, Veffens, Veferd, Veferds, Vefertz, Vefertzs, and Vefertts.
Weffer is derived from the Old German word “wiffer” which means “one who comes from the area near the Rhine River”. It is believed that those who used this surname moved to this area from a region near the Rhine. Additionally, the surname Weffer is thought to have been derived from the occupation “weaver”, which was an important trade during this time period.
Weffer is an uncommon surname in the United States but is more common throughout Germany and other German-speaking regions. Records show that it was first found in Prussia, where it is believed to have been introduced when German people migrated there from other parts of Europe. It is believed that those who used this surname may have moved to Prussia from Sweden and Denmark.
Weffer is a popular surname in Germany and many of its variants and spellings are popular throughout Europe. It is most common in Germany and Austria, but can be found in other areas where people of German descent have settled. It is also popular in the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, and other parts of Europe.
Overall, the Weffer surname and its variants is a Germanic surname that was likely derived from the river Rhine, or from the occupation of weaving, and is most common in Germany and Austrian-speaking regions.
Famous people with the name Weffer
- Karl Weffer: German actor, producer, and director.
- Ylva Weffer: Swedish documentary filmmaker.
- Ingrid Weffer: Swedish lecturer in international development studies at the Swedish School of Economics.
- George Weffer: American flutist and Director of the New College Performing and Visual Arts Department.
- Lydia Weffer: Professional rhythmic gymnast from the Ukraine.
- Terence Weffer: British former professional football player.
- Eugene Weffer: Canadian Olympic gold medalist in the bobsleigh event.
- Paul Weffer: German Professor of Transplant Surgery at the University Medical Center Goettingen.
- Esther Weffer: Dutch former tennis player who is currently the Men's Tennis Head Coach at the University of Miami.
- Sebastian Weffer: German professional beach volleyball player.