Surname Wegjahn - Meaning and Origin

Wegjahn: What does the surname Wegjahn mean?

The surname 'Wegjahn' is of German and Dutch origin and is derived from the given name 'Wig'. Wig is a diminutive of the name 'Wiligis', which was a German personal name composed of the elements "wili" which means determination and "gis" which means pledge. Additionally, the name is thought to have come from the Germanic word 'wald' meaning 'forest' and 'gund', which means 'war'.

This surname is often associated with those of good character, strength, and discipline. It is believed that people who had this surname acquired it from their ancestors who were distinguished fighters and warriors or who were leaders or occupied high positions in their communities.

Throughout history, those with the Wegjahn surname stood out for their courage and physical strength. This has been conveyed through traditions and stories, such as the 'Gesundheitsplakat' which is a type of German anthem about courage, strength and patriotism. The origin of this song dates back to the 17th century and was later adopted by many with the Wegjahn surname.

The surname Wegjahn is marked by its solidity and strength of character. Those with that name are proud of their roots and the accomplishments of their ancestors, and it is seen as a symbol of honour and respect within German and Dutch communities.

Wegjahn: Where does the name Wegjahn come from?

Wegjahn is a German surname that is most commonly seen today in Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland. This surname likely began in northern Germany during the Middle Ages, and it likely began as either a variant of the Norse personal name Vegge, Vage, or a variation of Wegmann, which was most likely derived from the German word “Weg” meaning “path”.

In modern Germany, and in German-speaking populations around the world, Wegjahn is still quite common. In Germany, most records indicate that the majority of people with the surname live in the northern part of the country, in both rural and urban areas. Records also show that it is more common in larger cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg.

The Netherlands has also seen an increase in the number of people with Wegjahn as a surname in recent times, particularly among Dutch expatriates living in Germany. Records indicate that most of them are living in Germany’s most populous cities in the Bundesrepublik, including Berlin and Hamburg.

In Poland, the surname Wegjahn is primarily found in urban areas like Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk. Records also show that people with this surname tend to be more likely to be employed in professions that require international travel, such as business, finance, and law.

Overall, Wegjahn is most commonly found in Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland. Despite its relatively small geographical presence, it is still seen with some regularity in these three countries.

Variations of the surname Wegjahn

Wegjahn is a German surname of uncertain origin. It is thought to come from the Germanic name "Wigjahan" or "Wigjohann". This name likely derives from the Proto-Germanic name "Wigjahan" which is composed of two elements: "wīg" meaning "war" and "hagan" meaning "enclosure". This surname can also be spelled as Wagjahn, Wigjahn, Wigjohann, Wegjohann, Wiegjahn, and Veghazyn.

Variations of the surname include Wegjahn, Wegjohann, Wiegjahn, Wiegjohann, Weighazyn, Vegazin, and Vegjahn. The variants Wiegjahn and Wiegjohann come from the Middle High German name Wig of which the first element means "warrior" and the second element is derived from “gogan/ganz” meaning “persona” or “guardian”. Additionally, the spelling Weighazyn is an Anglicization of the original spelling.

This surname is found across Germany, mainly central and western areas and also in some parts of the United States. It is known to be pronounced differently depending on the region, with some pronunciation variants including "Vyeh-GEE-ahn", "Vegah-sin", and "WEEG-yahn".

This surname is also found in other countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark, Hungary, Czech Republic, Austria, and Slovakia. Variants of this surname include Weghszyn, Veghazyn, Weghazyn, Wighazyn, Wegjohann, Wigjahn, Veghszyn, and Veghszin. Additionally, there is a Danish variant of the surname, Weihsøn, which may be derived from the Old Norse name Vígíðr meaning “forceful warrior”.

Famous people with the name Wegjahn

• Börje Wegjahn: Swedish Captain and sonar sailor
• Henrik Wegjahn: Danish Senior advisor
• Ottar Wegjahn: Norwegian diplomat
• Kevin Wegjahn: German footballer
• Justin Wegjahn: former American NFL football player and pastor
• Franz Wegjahn: German handball goalkeeper
• Erik Wegjahn: Swedish sprint canoeist
• Ole Wegjahn: Danish swimmer
• Thor Wegjahn: Norwegian speed skater
• Nick Wegjahn: American artist, author and entrepreneur
• Maria Wegjahn: Swedish javelin thrower
• Ester Wegjahn: Swedish freestyle swimmer
• Edwin Wegjahn: American professional hockey player
• Arvid Wegjahn: Swedish social democratic politician
• Carsten Wegjahn: Swedish table tennis player
• Robin Wegjahn: Swedish sprinter
• Madeleine Wegjahn: German figure skater
• Johan Wegjahn: Dutch field hockey player
• Eva Wegjahn: Danish tennis player
• Emmi Wegjahn: Finnish orienteering athlete

Other surnames

Wegjan