Surname Weisberger - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Weisberger: What does the surname Weisberger mean?
The last name Weisberger is derived from the German language and translates to “white mountain” or “white hill”. It is thought to have originated from a place name, meaning someone who comes from a place near a white mountain or hill. It may also have been derived from the German word for white or fair, as it was a term of endearment or particular admiration.
The Weisbergers have had a long and rich history in Europe, with records going back to 1325 in Bavaria, Germany. Throughout the years, Weisbergers have achieved success in various professions such as government, medicine, law, and business.
The Weisbergers were known for their charitable works, often donating a portion of their income to help those in need. They were not only generous to those within their social class, but also to the disadvantaged.
The Weisbergers have continued to maintain their strong presence within the Jewish community, where they are held in high regard. They are credited with helping to preserve the culture and traditions of their ancestors. In addition, members of the family have served in public and political offices in countries like Germany, the United States, and Austria.
The Weisbergers have left an outstanding legacy that spans generations, and one that continues to be remembered and honored. Characteristics that reflect the Weisberger heritage include kindness, generosity, respect for others, and strong family values.
Order DNA origin analysisWeisberger: Where does the name Weisberger come from?
The last name Weisberger is most common in Austria and Germany. According to Forebears, a genealogy website, the surname Weisberger is quite popular in Austria with over 13,500 people and in Germany with over 8,700 people whom currently share the name. It is thought to have originated as a locational name from Weis up in the Austrian Alps where the story of the Weisberger family can be traced back as far as 1140.
The Weisberger name is significantly less common in the United States with approximately 1,150 people currently bearing the name. Records of the name in the US date back to the mid-1800s when ancestors of the Weisbergers emigrated from Germany and Austria. Several of those early migrations settled where there were communities of other German and Austrian immigrants, primarily in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, and New York.
Today, you will also find Weisbergers in other states such as Texas, California, and Ohio. Despite their widespread presence in the US, the Weisberger name is still one of the rarest of the German surnames. As a result, a number of family members have anglicised their names in order to better fit in with their wider community. Examples include Weissberger to Weisberger, Weizberger to Weissberger, and Weizbach to Weissbach.
Variations of the surname Weisberger
The surname Weisberger has many variations, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Many variations of the original surname Weisberger include Weisberg, Weisbourg, Weisbergen, Weisbareger, Weizberger, Weisbarger, Weissberger, Weispfenning, Weisbenner, Weisbenning, Weinberger, Weisenberg, Weisinger and Weiszberger.
The origin of the name Weisberger is German. In German, the word 'weis' means white, and the word 'berger' means mountain, so Weisberger could literally mean ‘white mountain’. However, the name most likely originated as an occupational surname because the literal translation of the word ‘berg’ may refer to a type of gardening or land cultivation. Therefore, Weisberger is most likely derived from the old German word 'berg' which means 'cultivator'. Therefore, the surname would have referred to a person who was involved in land tilling and cultivation.
Other variations of the surname may give us further insight into the different backgrounds of Weisberger. For example, Weisbourg could refer to someone who came from the German city of Weisbourg. Weisbarger could refer to a Jewish Weisberger who may have emigrated from Germany and was therefore, living in a region inhabited by German Jews. Weisinger could refer to someone who came from Weisberg, Germany, while Weizberger could refer to someone who came from Weiz, Germany.
The surnames of Weisberger can come from a variety of origins, backgrounds and spellings, but all hold the common root of being connected to those who come from German descent.
Famous people with the name Weisberger
- Lauren Weisberger: American author of the bestselling novel The Devil Wears Prada and the sequel Revenge Wears Prada, as well as other contemporary novels.
- Brad Weisberger: Founder of the Style of Man web site, an award-winning, comprehensive men's style, grooming, fashion and lifestyle brand.
- Arnold Weisberger: Renowned medical doctor and specialist in cardiothoracic medicine who was also the past president of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery.
- Eric Weisberger: Jewish-American artist and painter who is known for his vibrant, expressive depictions of life and nature.
- Alan Weisberger: American professor of philosophy at Stanford University who is considered a leader in the fields of moral and social philosophy.
- Robert Weisberger: Award-winning American photographer famous for his New York City street photography and for bringing attention to life in the city.
- Josie Weisberger: Award-winning actress from Long Island, New York, who is best known for her roles in Off Broadway musicals.
- Marsha Weisberger: American filmmaker, author, performer, and teacher who is known for her experimental work and is a faculty member at the Art Institute of Boston.
- Fred Weisberger: Emmy-nominated television producer, writer and director whose work has won awards for its daring and unique style.
- Susanna Weisberger: An accomplished pianist and long-term professor of music at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in New York City.