Surname Weiher - Meaning and Origin
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Weiher: What does the surname Weiher mean?
The last name Weiher is a German name meaning “small pond” or “meadow by a pond”, derived from a natural feature near the bearer’s residence or place of origin. It is a geographical surname, rather than a clannish one, that originated in the Grafschaft region of Germany in Rhineland Palatinate and in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It is one of the millions of surnames in the world that belongs to a dark and special tradition of ancestral origin and is some evidence of Germanic, German-speaking cultural and language influence on Europe.
This surname is likely to have been adopted by someone near or at a body of water, such as a pond. It likely was used as a reference to the location or as a descriptive result of the geographical feature, solidifying the family's place in the landscape. It also helps other families figure out their origins by being able to trace the origins of one name to the geographical feature.
The exact origin of the name Weiher is unknown, but is found in records from the 13th century in the area, meaning it has been around for quite some time.
The Weiher family name has been part of history for hundreds of years, being used by families for numerous generations. Today, it is still heard throughout Germany, as well as countries and regions where German settlements have had a great influence.
Order DNA origin analysisWeiher: Where does the name Weiher come from?
The surname Weiher is most common in the German-speaking countries, particularly in Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. It is also seen in parts of the United States, particularly in the Midwest.
In Germany, Weiher is most common in the southern parts of the country, including Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, and Saarland. In the northern parts of Germany, however, the name is much rarer. It is also quite common in Austria and select cantons of Switzerland.
In the United States, Weiher is most common in the Midwest, particularly in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Immigrants from Germany and Austria are likely responsible for the surname’s spread.
In other countries, Weiher is not common. It is rarely seen in Canada, France, Italy, and the Netherlands, with just a handful of people utilizing the surname in each nation. It is unknown how many Weihers reside in these countries.
Overall, the name Weiher is quite widespread. Despite its rarity in certain parts of the world, it is most popular in countries with Germanic or Austrian influence. Its focus in the Midwest of the United States is likely due to the large influx of European immigrants who left their homeland in search of a better life.
Variations of the surname Weiher
Weiher is an occupational surname of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word ‘wihr’, meaning ‘meadow’. Variants of this surname, as well as alternate spellings, include Weher, Weier, Wehre, Wehr, Wehrle, Weijer, Wier, Wiere, Wiereck, Wierek, Weyher, Weyhert, Weiker, Weißer and Weiser. In areas with a large German population such as the United States, Canada, Brazil and Argentina, the surname can be found spelled as Weyher.
The surname can also be found in numerous other languages, such as Dutch (Weiger, Weyger, Weijer, Wijer, Weyerd, Weyersz) and Czech (Veyer). In other countries including France, Spain and Poland the surname may have also be adapted to fit local languages, such as Veyer, Veyres and Wi areas.
There are many variations of the surname Weiher. For those tracing their lineage, research into alternative spellings and other variants of the name is important to ensure accuracy.
Famous people with the name Weiher
- Tanya Weiher, American fashion designer.
- Enrique Leon Weiher, Venezuelan architect.
- Uwe Weiher, German politician.
- Jutta Weiher, German actress.
- Henry Webb Weiher, American lawyer and diplomat.
- USMC Gunnery Sgt William Timothy Weiher, American military veteran.
- Kurt Weiher, German field hockey player.
- Norbert Weiher, German artist.
- Robert Weiher, American Olympic track and field athlete.
- Maria Weiher, Canadian news anchor.
- Ernst Weiher, German World War II fighter pilot.
- Günter Weiher, German historian and professor.
- Stephanie Weiher, German Olympic boxer.
- Jürgen Weiher, German actor.
- Wilbert Anthony Weiher, American ironworker and steelworker.
- Arthur Weiher, Egyptian businessman and diplomat.
- Clemens Weiher, German composer.
- Brigitte Weiher, German politician.
- Paul Weiher, German World War II fighter ace.
- Henning Weiher, German footballer.