Surname Weier - Meaning and Origin
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Weier: What does the surname Weier mean?
The last name Weier is a surname with Germanic roots dating back to the Middle Ages. It comes from the personal name Weier, which was a nickname for someone who was considered to be brave or daring. The name could also be derived from the Old German word “wert” which means “honorable” or “esteemed”.
The name is most common in Germany and surrounding countries, first appearing in population records in the area in the 12 and 13th centuries. By the 15th century, different branches of the family had spread around Europe as the population grew.
Today, the name Weier can still be found all over Germany. In the United States, it is most common in the Midwest region, particularly Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. People with this last name typically have German heritage, though some may be related to Swedish or Danish ancestry.
Overall, the surname Weier originated in Germany and comes from a personal nickname for someone brave and honorable. It is most common in Germany and the United States, and those who bear it often have German ancestry.
Order DNA origin analysisWeier: Where does the name Weier come from?
The last name Weier is most commonly seen today in the United States and parts of Germany. The first known use of Weier as a surname was in Germany centuries ago.
In the United States, the Weier surname is especially common in the states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota. According to US census data, Wisconsin has the highest concentration of people with the Weier surname. Here, in 2020, there were nearly 600 individuals known by the name Weier living in Wisconsin.
In Germany, Weier is most likely to be found in communities across the northern and western states including North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Schleswig-Holstein, and Saxony. While it is difficult to accurately count the number of Weier's living in Germany there are likely in the thousands.
All in all, the last name Weier is still found in both the United States and parts of Germany. It has been used as a surname for centuries, and its prevalence today is evidence of the Weier family's endurance over time.
Variations of the surname Weier
The surname Weier (pronounced ‘Vy-er’) is of Germanic origin, typically associated with the German and Swiss regions. Variants of the surname Weier include Weyer, Wyer, Wyre, Wiere, Veyer, and Wier.
Weyer and Wyer are the most popular variants of the Weier surname. Weyer is often found among families that trace their origins to Germany, while Wyer is more common in families with Swiss ancestry.
In some cases, the spelling of Weier shifts due to phonetic changes over time. For example, some versions of the surname appear as Veier, Veyer, Wiere, Wyre, and even Weir.
The surname may also appear in records under variations such as Veyer, Vyger, or Wayger. These spellings are generally the result of errors in recording or transcribing of the original Weier surname.
Additional variations and variations in other languages include Weyer (German), Wiir (Finnish), Veyer (Dutch), Weyer (Danish), Vyger (Swedish), and Weir (English).
In some cases, the Weier surname may have been changed due to political or cultural reasons. For example, during the Second World War, Jews were forced to take on names that were more accepting by governments and populations. Therefore, some Weier families may have adopted different surnames.
Regardless of the spelling or variant, the Weier surname is a part of a rich and unique history, connecting families through the generations.
Famous people with the name Weier
1. Nathan Weier: actor known for his role in DCOM Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 2. Jeff Weier: World Champion barrel racer 3. Sadie Weier: American makeup artist and YouTuber 4. Lisa Weier: Former member of the US Ski Team 5. Don Weier: former American basketball player 6. Kim Weier: four-time All American swimmer 7. Guy Weier: former Major League Baseball pitcher 8. Bob Weier: former Major League Baseball pitcher 9. Roy Weier: former Major League Baseball pitcher 10. Ellen Weier: two-time NCAA diving champion