Surname Wegricht - Meaning and Origin

Wegricht: What does the surname Wegricht mean?

The last name Wegricht is of German origin and is thought to have derived from the old German word ‘wegart,’ which means ‘way guard.’ This suggests that the ancestral families of Wegricht may have served as protectors for specific roads or trails.

The German surname Wegricht is an occupational name that was derived from the occupation of the first bearer. It is believed that in medieval times, the construction or regulation of roads was an important task and one of great value to local communities. Because of this, a Wegricht may have been a particularly important figure in a community. They could have been responsible for maintaining and regulating roads or simply be assigned to guard them, as indicated by the etymology of the name ‘Wegricht.’

The Wegricht surname can be found today predominantly in the German states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, though it is likely to have originated in Bavaria. There are also Wegrichts found in other German-speaking countries as well as Austria, Switzerland, and the United States.

The Wegricht family is associated with a number of different historical figures. Notable Wegrichts include major general Walter Wegricht, who served in Adolf Hitler’s elite bodyguard unit, and Anne Wegricht, an Austrian architect who designed numerous buildings and monuments.

The Wegricht family name, ultimately derived from the German word ‘wegart’ or ‘way guard,’ signifies a long and proud history of road-making and protection. Deeply rooted in German culture and heritage, the Wegricht family are certainly an admirable one.

Wegricht: Where does the name Wegricht come from?

The last name Wegricht is fairly uncommon today, however it can be found primarily in Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. Variations on the name may also be found in Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

In Germany, the name is thought to have first appeared in the state of Baden-Württemberg. Several villages scattered throughout the region can be found to carry the Wegricht name. Records show that many of those with the name in the 1700s were associated with farming, with some occupying castle positions as well.

In the Netherlands, records seem to suggest that the name did not originate there. Despite this, the name is still found in the country; particularly in Amsterdam, Huizen, Almere, Uitgeest, and Den Haag.

In the United States, most entries of Wegricht originated between the late 1800s and early 1900s, when many people from Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Switzerland immigrated to the United States. The name Wegricht can be found in almost all US states today.

When researching the last name Wegricht, it is important to remember that the surname had a common spelling variation: Wigrecht. This is why individuals could be found in different records under both of these names.

Variations of the surname Wegricht

Wegricht is a surname that originated in Germany. It is spelled Wegricht, Weigright, Weigrit, Weacregt, Weicregt, Weicking, Weigwitz, Wegrichts, Weigerecht, Weiglecht, Wigrecht, Wigke, Wiegrecht, Wiegerich, Weiwricht, Weygerich, Weigriche, Weigrick, Wigreich, Weygeriche and Weygherich.

Wegricht typically derives from an old German personal name, Wigger, which is derived from the German for ‘war’. The suffix -rich is derived from the German for ‘ruler’, so Wegricht is an occupational name describing someone who conducted military campaigns or served as a military leader.

The spelling variations of Wegricht suggest that it has been in existence in Germany for centuries, and that it has traveled with German immigrants throughout history. The surname has been recorded in the United States since the mid-19th century, with Wegricht’s first appearing in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Wisconsin.

It is common for surnames to evolve over time, and many surnames of German origin have been Anglicized. Americanized spellings of Wegricht include Weigright, Weigrit, Weacregt, Weicregt and Weicking.

The variations of the Wegricht surname all point towards a common origin, and Wegricht is a name that is deeply rooted in German history. It has spread throughout the world with German immigrants, and it remains an important part of the culture and identity of many families today.

Famous people with the name Wegricht

• Johannes Wegricht: German-Austrian visual artist
• Martin Wegricht: Austrian cameralist and first sound man for the Kammerspiele Theatre
• Ekkehard Weghricht: German artist and writer
• Johann Gottfried Wegricht: German pastor and hymnwriter
• Friedrich Wegricht: German watchmaker and instrument maker of special type chronometers
• Adolf Albrecht Wegricht: German merchant and politician
• Andreas Wegricht: German figure skater
• Max Wegricht: German actor and theater director

Other surnames

Wegrich