Surname Weisspfenning - Meaning and Origin

Weisspfenning: What does the surname Weisspfenning mean?

The last name Weisspfenning is derived from the German word “Weisspfennig”, which was a form of money historically used in Germany. In the late Middle Ages and early modern period, the Weisspfennig was the largest denomination of coin and represented one twelfth of a Thaler. It was gold in color and would typically have the image of the ruling monarch stamped onto it. As was common with coins of the time, it was debased over time, firstly with vassals and merchant mints and later with varying other alloys, such as tin and silver.

The name Weisspfenning is used both as a surname and a given name. It is thought to have arrived in Germany from Bohemia during the Thirty Years' War in 1618. The name is now largely concentrated in Germany, mostly in the northern regions of Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, although it is also sometimes found in Eastern Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

The most likely meaning behind the name is that an ancestor was in possession of or associated with Weisspfennigs, although no definite explanation can be given. It may have been that they were employed by a ruler to mint the coins, or alternatively, they could have been a trader who regularly exchanged the currency. In any case, the name has since evolved from its original meaning and is now typically associated with the more generic term “white penny”.

Weisspfenning: Where does the name Weisspfenning come from?

The Weisspfenning family name is believed to have originated in the region of former Westphalia, which is now in the modern-day German states of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Saxony-Anhalt.

This area was long dominated by the Catholic Church, and many families living in this area, including the Weisspfenning, had Catholic faith. During the Eighty Years' War, the area was alternately occupied by Dutch and Spanish forces, making life difficult for those living there. Not long afterward, during the Thirty Years' War, almost all of the population of Westphalia was decimated.

The Weisspfenning family name has since spread from the geographical region of former Westphalia. Currently, the last name is most commonly found in Germany, but it can also be found in Austria, Switzerland, and parts of the Netherlands.

To this day, Weisspfenning is still a very common name in Westphalia. In fact, according to current statistics from the German Landesverwaltungsamt, the last name Weisspfenning is the 481st most-common German family name. In other countries, it isn't as popular, but it is still widespread throughout Europe.

Regardless of where the Weisspfenning family name is currently located, its history is closely intertwined with the region of Westphalia. The resilience of the family in spite of difficult circumstances is an inspiring testament to the strength of the Weisspfenning name.

Variations of the surname Weisspfenning

Weisspfenning is an uncommon German surname derived from the Old German words “weiss” and “pfenning.” The former means “white” and the latter meant “penny” or “small coin.”

Weisspfenning is the standard form of this surname, but there are also a few variants and spellings. Weissfennig is an alternate form, as “fennig” comes from the same Old German root as “pfenning.” Weispfennig is another variant, using the spelling "weisp" instead of "weiss."

Surnames with similar origins but different spelling and sound also exist. These include Weispfemming, Wispenning, and Wispfennig, which all come from the same root words as Weisspfenning.

All of these surnames, regardless of spelling, originate from the same root words: “weiss” for “white” and “pfenning” or “fennig” for “penny” or “small coin.” These root words suggest that Weisspfenning was originally borne by people in occupations related to money and finance.

Famous people with the name Weisspfenning

• Otto Weisspfenning: Former professional German footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Arminia Bielefeld.
• Paul Weisspfenning: German emigrant to the United States who founded the Paul Weisspfenning Manufacturing Company in the 1800s, makers of agricultural machinery.
• August Weisspfenning: German mathematician who worked as an assistant professor for the University of Marburg in the 19th century.
• Thomas Weisspfenning: Professional German soccer player currently playing for FC Oberneuland, a German regional league club.
• Johann Weisspfenning: Late 17th century German architect who designed and built a number of notable buildings in central Europe, including Greifswald City Palace.
• Matthew Weisspfenning: American physicist and Naval Captain who made contributions to the US Navy on topics such as submarine sound transmission and advanced navigation systems.
• Patrick Weisspfenning: German-American entrepreneur and software engineer who founded a venture capital-funded software applications company.
• Jakob Weisspfenning: Austrian commuter, traveler, and author who wrote extensively about his experiences in the Middle East.
• Horst Weisspfenning: Luftwaffe ace during World War II with 78 credited aerial victories over Allied aircraft.
• David Weisspfenning: German banking executive and former member of the European Advisory Board of Credit Suisse Group AG.

Other surnames

Weisspfennig