Surname Weirich - Meaning and Origin
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Weirich: What does the surname Weirich mean?
The last name Weirich is a patronymic surname derived from the Germanic personal name Wier. This personal name is thought to be derived from an Old Germanic root word wīr meaning “true”, “trustworthy”, or “guard”. The surname Weirich was likely first associated with families who were renowned for their loyalty, reliability, and their trustworthiness; the surname can also be found spelled Werick, Werig, Weirich, and Weirig.
Throughout the centuries, the Weirich name has been found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Low Countries, and in some eastern European countries. Sources attest to the presence of the name over time, such as a Johann Weiriche of the city of Speyer in the 16th century, and the marriage of Heinrich Weirich and Anna Enders at the Church of St. Lorenz in Rothenbergen in 1775.
By the 19th century, the family name had spread throughout Europe and had been establishing roots in North America, with the arrival of Johann Georg Weirick of Hess, Germany in 1752. The Weirich family branched out into several different locations in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Today, individuals with the Weirich surname can still be found living in many countries around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisWeirich: Where does the name Weirich come from?
The last name Weirich is most common today in the United States and Canada, although it is found in other parts of the world as well. It first appears in records in the mid-1800s in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern United States. The name is derived from a German name that means “keeper of livestock.” Historically, members of the Weirich family were farmers and shepherds, who settled rural areas of the United States and Canada.
Today, the Weirich family has spread to a number of different states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Kentucky. It also appears with some frequency in British Columbia, Newfoundland, and Alberta. Each state or province has its own unique stories about how the surname originated and spread among its settlers.
The last name Weirich is most prevalent among the Amish and Mennonite religious communities in the United States and Canada, where the name is often spelled “Wierich”. It is also commonly found among people of German, Swiss, Danish and Swedish descent. An interesting fact about this name is that none of its variants – including Weiric, Wierick, Weyric, and Weyreck – have roots in Gaelic or Irish surnames.
The Weirich surname is still very much alive today, and the family is proud of its agricultural heritage. It is a reminder of the many settlers and immigrants who crossed the ocean to find a new home in North America.
Variations of the surname Weirich
The surname Weirich is one of the many Germanic surnames that have been recorded across Europe since medieval times. It is derived from the German words Wier and Rich, meaning 'protector of the meadow'.
The variants of Weirich include Weyriche, Weyrich, Weierre, Weerich, Weirer, Wiericz, Wierig, Wierigk, Wierrig, Wierrich, Wierrych, Wierryck, Weyeerich, Wierec, Wierech, Wierek, and Wierick.
Due to immigration, the Weirich surname has spread to many regions, including Scotland, France, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This has led to the spelling being slightly altered and adapted over time. Common spellings include Wearick, Weericks, Weyricks, Wierick, Weyrick, Woernerich, and Woernes.
The Scottish variant of Weirich is Weirich or Weiris, while the French variant is Wyerick or Wyeris. In the United States, the Weldrich, Weldrew, Wyderick, and Wydrech spellings are commonly found. In Canada, Wierick, Weikle, and Weirsk are popular spellings of the surname.
In the past, surnames often changed depending on the language and region of the person using it. As a result, there are many surnames with the same roots as Weirich. Some of these include Warrick, Werrick, Wernecke, Wernecke, Werwecki, Werzenski, Warlamoff, Warlyn, and Wierts.
No matter the spelling or geographical origin, the surname Weirich is all connected to the same root, making it clear that its origins stretch far and wide.
Famous people with the name Weirich
- Dave Weirich: Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Klfred Weirich: American artist.
- Bill Weirich: Professional wrestling referee.
- Eric Weirich: Olympic silver medalist in the 5,000-meter speed skating.
- Dr. Vivian Weirich: Executive Vice President of Fred Wiley’s Investment Group.
- George Weirich: United States Representative from Ohio.
- Shirley Weirich: American actress best known for her role in the television show Family Matters.
- Ashlee Weirich: Professional dancer and choreographer.
- Carmen Weirich: German opera soprano singer.
- Henry A. Weirich: Notable American Civil War surgeon.