Surname Weiherlein - Meaning and Origin
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Weiherlein: What does the surname Weiherlein mean?
The last name Weiherlein is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word weyher, meaning “gamekeeper,” and lein, meaning “small.” Combining the two elements, the name's literal meaning is “small gamekeeper.”
In the Middle Ages, only specially appointed individuals were given the authority to control the local boar, deer, and gamebird population. Gamekeepers, known for their hard work and dedication to the environment, were a vital part of the community and often held jobs such as hunting instructors or warden brothers.
Today, the last name Weiherlein is still used as a popular surname in by German-speaking populations. Those with the last name are likely to be proud of their heritage and appreciate the importance of protecting the environment. Some may be direct descendants of the gamekeepers of the Middle Ages, reflecting their family's commitment to sustainability and conservation.
As a proud member of a distinguished ancestral profession, those who bear the name of Weiherlein understand the importance of taking care of the world and appreciate those who take the time to protect the environment. Those with this surname are likely to make sure they contribute to the preservation of our natural resources, whether through volunteering at their local parks or through supporting environmental legislation.
Order DNA origin analysisWeiherlein: Where does the name Weiherlein come from?
The last name Weiherlein is of German origin. It is most commonly found in present day Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. As a result of German migration during the 19th century, the name can now be found throughout Europe, as well as in other places throughout the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, the name is most commonly found in states with large populations of German immigrants, such as Wisconsin, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Missouri.
The surname Weiherlein can also be found in other parts of the world, such as South Africa, where it is likely an indication of recent German immigration. In addition, the name can be found in various Latin American countries, including Mexico, Costa Rica, and Brazil.
Despite its European roots, Weiherlein is a fairly uncommon name. According to a recent analysis of last names in the United States, it is estimated that there are only about 200 people with the surname living in the United States today. There are likely far fewer worldwide.
In addition to its rarity, the name Weiherlein has an interesting meaning. The name translates to “wood field,” likely alluding to the forest near the home of the surname’s original German bearer.
Variations of the surname Weiherlein
The surname Weiherlein is a German language name that means "small pond" or "watering place". It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "weiher", which means pond or lake.
Weiherlein is the primary spelling of this surname, but it has several variants to account for the difference in dialects and other language influences across Europe. Some variants and alternate spellings of Weiherlein are Weyherlein, Weyherling, Weyrädeli, Weyhreling, Weyreling, Weyhrellin, Weyherle, and Weyrle.
There are also a few surnames derived from the same root word: Weyherl, Weyher, Weyrle, Weyreling, Weyhrer, Weyhrl, Weyhre, and Weyrädel.
Additionally, this surname is sometimes found written in umlaut form (with two dots above vowels) when it is associated with certain dialects, such as those in Austria and southern Germany. This would be written as "Weiherlëin" or "Weyhrlëin".
Finally, variations on the spelling and pronunciation of this surname are also found in the Netherlands, where the variants Weijherlein, Weyerlein, and Weyerling are most commonly used.
In total, Weiherlein and its variants have been in use since the Middle High German period and today can be found all over Europe, from Germany to the Netherlands.
Famous people with the name Weiherlein
- Maximilian Weiherlein: Maximilian is a footballer currently playing for German Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen.
- Christoph Weiherlein: Christoph is a former German footballer, most recently playing for RB Leipzig.
- Tina Weigl: Tina is an Austrian singer-songwriter, pianist, and record producer.
- Armin Weiherlein: Armin is a German-born cricketer who currently plays for Leicestershire County Cricket Club.
- Hans Weiherlein: Hans was a German politician who served in the German Bundestag from 1950-1953, and again from 1957-1961.
- Juliane Weiherlein: Juliane is a former alpine skier who competed at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta.
- Johann Weiherlein: Johann was a German cellist active in the 19th century.
- Fabian Weiherlein: Fabian is a German footballer currently playing for German 3. Liga club Karlsruher SC.
- Katharina Weiherlein: Katharina is a German musician and composer.
- Manfred Weiherlein: Manfred was a German football manager who managed Erzgebirge Aue between 1983-1987.