Surname Weglehner - Meaning and Origin
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Weglehner: What does the surname Weglehner mean?
The surname Weglehner is an occupational surname derived from the German word weglehen, which means “a way or path-layer”. This occupational name was originally given to someone who built or maintained pathways or roads - denoting a person with an important sense of responsibility and dedication.
The name may also have been bestowed upon one who was an official “progress-seeker” in feudal-age Europe, meaning someone who made sure the destination of a convoy or traveller was reached safely.
Today, Weglehner is a rare surname, but it carries a deep significance throughout Europe and beyond. It can symbolise opportunities taken and persistence in the face of adversity. It invokes a spirit of progress and resilience, which offers comfort in challenging times.
The name is steeped in the power of duty, loyalty and ambition. It is a reminder of what humans can achieve when they strive for the best and use their skills to create something of lasting value. This is a reminder that when we aspire to make a difference, our efforts can make a lasting impact.
Order DNA origin analysisWeglehner: Where does the name Weglehner come from?
The last name Weglehner is most commonly found in Europe, particularly in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. According to the World Names Profiler, the name is most frequently found in the Austrian states of Upper and Lower Austria. The distribution of the name is also concentrated in the German federal states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, as well as in the Swiss canton of Zurich.
Weglehner is a rare name, though it has been increasing in popularity in recent years. Inclimentum, an online tool for tracking surname changes over time, suggests that the frequency of Weglehner has grown significantly in Austria, going from the 111th most common surname in 2000 to the 70th most common name today. It has also grown substantially in Switzerland, reaching nearly 600 in 2020.
Weglehner is derived from the German words "weg", meaning away, and "lehner", referring to a Switzerland tenant farmer. Accordingly, the name is likely an occupational surname, likely referring to someone who was a tenant farmer in an area now known as Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
To sum up, the last name Weglehner is a relatively rare name in Europe, with the highest concentration in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. It is derived from an earlier occupational reference to tenant farmers, and has been gradually gaining in popularity in recent years.
Variations of the surname Weglehner
The surname Weglehner is derived from the Germanic-based surname Wäglehner, which is derived from the old Germanic personal name Wigleo. The name Weglehner is usually found spelled with a double-L-L as Weglehner, but can also be found spelled with a single-L as Wegner.
Variants of Weglehner may include Wegner, Wagener, Waegner, Wägleiner, Wiggelin, Weglein, Wäglehner, Wiglehner, and Wigliner.
Surnames derived from the same origin of Weglehner may include Wäglehner, Wägleiner, Wiggelin, Wettlin, Wägle, Wiglehner, Wiglinger, Wiglein, and Wettlaufer.
Weglehner is an ancient name that can be found as far back as the 16th century, when it first made an appearance in the birth records of Upper Austria, which was a part of the former Holy Roman Empire. The Weglehners were primarily farmers and craftsmen in the years before and after World War I and remained in this region until after World War II. The name spread throughout Germany and Austria in the 19th and 20th centuries, due to increased migration and military service between these two countries.
Weglehner is a less common name, but can still be found in small numbers in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other areas of Central Europe. It has also been seen in the United States and Canada, although it is not as prevalent in these countries as in its countries of origin.
Famous people with the name Weglehner
- Fritz Weglehner: Austrian Catholic priest and academic who was an important representative of the traditionalist view of the Second Vatican Council.
- Irene Weglehner: Austrian painter and sculptor who was one of the most original exponents of sculpture in Vienna in the early 20th century.
- August Weglehner: Austro-Hungarian geologist who taught in the University of Vienna and wrote a series of famous textbooks on the science of geology.
- Rita Weglehner: Austrian stage and film actress who was known for her roles in Austrian and German silent films.
- Charles Weglehner: Austrian politician who served as a member of the Austrian Parliament and was an active supporter of the Social Democratic Party.
- Albin Weglehner: Austro-Hungarian Army officer who studied at the Theresian Military Academy and achieved the rank of colonel in the Austro-Hungarian Army.
- Karl Weglehner: Austrian jurist who specialized in criminal law and wrote a series of books on the fundamental principles of criminal procedure.
- Hugo Weglehner: German writer and philologist, best known for his work on the German language and literature.
- Alfred Weglehner: Austrian painter and graphic artist whose works were featured in exhibitions in Vienna and abroad.
- Ferdinand Weglehner: Austrian-born film director who worked in Germany in the interwar period and is known for directing both classical and Expressionist films.