Surname Weider - Meaning and Origin
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Weider: What does the surname Weider mean?
The last name Weider is of German origin. Its literal translation is "weaver" or "weaving man". It is derived from the Germanic word "weidan", meaning "to extend, stretch, weave". It is believed to have been an occupational name for someone who works with textiles.
In the Middle Ages, Weider was a popular profession in German-speaking regions. Wearing clothes was an expensive and complicated process that required access to materials, spinning tools, and tailoring skills. Thus, the Weider family was well respected and known.
The meaning of the last name Weider has evolved over time. Now, it no longer directly refers to the occupation of weaving, but can represent a variety of other occupations and interests. Common interests associated with the last name Weider include outdoor activities, creative pursuits, and spirituality. It can also be a sign of strength and resourcefulness.
Today, the last name Weider is common in German-speaking countries and the United States. People who carry the last name Weider are proud of its origins and work to honor its meaning through their lives. It is also seen as a symbol of identity and a powerful reminder of family ties.
Order DNA origin analysisWeider: Where does the name Weider come from?
The Weider surname is primarily prevalent in Germany, where it is the 55th most common name, being held by around 43,000 individuals. It is also found in Austria, Finland and Switzerland. Outside of Europe, the surname is heavily represented in Canada, where it is held by over 5,000 people, and the United States, with nearly 13,000 individuals. The Weider name is particularly concentrated in Manitoba and Ontario, Canada, as well as North Carolina, Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Michigan, and Wisconsin in the United States. It is also found at lower rates in various other countries, including Brazil, Australia, England, the Netherlands, and France.
The Weider surname is derived from the Middle High German "wijter," which means a "gamekeeper." It was likely an occupational name used to refer to someone responsible for keeping game animals. It may also derived from an old Germanic term meaning "wide" or "broad." Thus, it likely referred to someone who is tall or large in size.
The Weider surname is also associated with the American brand Weider, which produces bodybuilding equipment and nutritional supplements. Joe Weider (1920–2013) founded the brand, and it is now run by his seven children, including Ben and Betty. It is likely that many of the individuals with this surname living in the United States are descendents of Joe Weider.
Variations of the surname Weider
The surname Weider has various different spellings, variants, and surnames of the same origin. Some of them include Wieder, Weydir, Widere, Wiederre, Wider, Wieder, Wiederre, Weder, Wyder, Veit, Veith, Vaid, Vayd, Vait, Veyt, Vice, Vise, Vies, Vize, Feyt, Feyth, Faid, Fait, Feit, Feye, Feyr, Fiehr, Fuhr, Fuhrer, Fuhry, Fuhri, Feier, Feurer, Veytzel, Waydd, Widder, and Weiderle.
The origin of the surname Weider has roots in Middle German and Old High German. The root of the surname is the noun “Wîr,” which means “wide” or “broad.” This noun derived from the verb “wîdan,” which means “to spread” or “to open.” This could refer to land that had been opened up for settlement or it could describe someone’s physical features. It is also possible that this surname referred to someone who had wide shoulders.
The German surname Weider has its earliest recorded use in the 14th century when it was recorded in a charter as Widre. Throughout history, it has continued to evolve in spelling and meaning, resulting in the various spellings and derivatives of the word today.
The surname Weider is still in use today, mostly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and English-speaking countries. It is still sometimes used to indicate a person with broad shoulders or wide land holdings.
Famous people with the name Weider
- Joe Weider: Canadian-American former bodybuilder and businessman. He founded the International Federation of Bodybuilders and co-founded the Weider Nutrition company.
- Ben Weider: Canadian businessman and writer. He was the president of International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness.
- Eric Weider: Founder of Weider History magazines and Weider Publications.
- Matthew Weider: Canadian businessman and entrepreneur. He was the CFO of Our Airports Inc, a Canadian aviation company.
- Lawrence Weider: American-born British educational psychologist and Emeritus Professor of Education at the London Institute of Education.
- Francine Weider: French singer and actress, best known for her role in the TV series “Le Club des Cinq”.
- Kenneth Weider: American businessman and founder of the Weider Health and Fitness Group.
- David Weider: German-born entrepreneur and chairman of the Weider International Group.
- Eric Weider: American filmmaker and photographer, best known for his work on documentaries.
- Gina Weider: Canadian model and actress, best known for her role in the Canadian television series “Traders”.