Surname Weldher - Meaning and Origin
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Weldher: What does the surname Weldher mean?
The last name Weldher is a German name meaning “welder” or “forge worker”. It was likely given to those who were tradesmen in the pre-industrial era of Europe, given the now common use of electric welding in modern times. As far as written records show, this surname first appears in the 16th century in Germany and Switzerland, and by the 19th century had spread throughout central Europe.
Weldhers were a respected part of society, as they created essential tools and implements for use in the workshops and farms of Europe. This would include items like scales, tools, and even small arms. They were also known for creating impressive works of art in metals, such as chain maille, decorated cooked items, and ornamental pieces.
The name itself comes from the verb ‘welden’, first recorded in Middle High German and which means ‘to forge’ or to shape molten metal between two tools or by hammering on an anvil. Traditionally, new tools were tested for hardness by striking a piece of metal against an anvil. It was said that if the metal held its shape then it was a sign that the pieces had been successfully welded.
The name Weldher continues to be used into modern times, both as a surname and as a trade name. It has taken on a more general meaning, with many people using it to describe anyone with a skill or knowledge of welding. It is a testament to the skill and hard work of the artisans of old, who put their heart into their work and sought to create beauty in iron and steel.
Order DNA origin analysisWeldher: Where does the name Weldher come from?
Weldher is a surname with deep history, dating back to the late 12th century. It has been traced to the surrounding region of Saxony in what is today Germany, indicating origins to a region and particular time period, with the name generally believed to have originated from a form of the modern German phrase "Weldherr" meaning ruler or leader.
Today, Weldher is still a fairly common surname in Germany. According to the data from Forebears, Weldher is the 3,284th most common surname in the country, with approximately 5,537 people having the last name. Specifically, it is heavily concentrated in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, with well over 4,000 people having the surname that are currently living in this region.
In addition, the surname has spread beyond the borders of Germany and is present in other parts of Europe, as well as the United States and other countries around the world. According to data from the US Census Bureau, there are approximately 2,700 people in the United States with the last name Weldher, mostly located in the east coast states.
The exact origin and meaning of Weldher may remain largely unknown, but its presence in various parts of the world is a testament to the family's rich history and heritage.
Variations of the surname Weldher
Weldher is a surname of Germanic origin and is usually associated with the surname Weber. It is derived from the Middle High German word ‘wever’, which means ‘weaver’ and refers to an ancestral occupation of weaving. The contemporary spellings and variants of the name Weldher include:
Weidler, Vieler, Völker, Völlger, Volger, Völler, Weber, Weiber, Weider, Weither, Velder, Weldner, Weldherr, Weldhorst, Walkher, Wiler, and Welzer.
The spelling ‘Weider’ is especially common in the United States and Canada, while the spelling ‘Weldner’ can be found among some families in Pennsylvania.
The surnamesSandweiler, Leiser, and Tubbesing are another set of related surnames with the same origin as Weldher. These surnames stem from the Middle High German words ‘sandweiler’ (sand-drifter), ‘leiser’ (shepherd), and ‘tubbesing’ (embroiderer).
Weldher is not to be confused with Weller, a different surname of British origin. Weller is derived from the Old English words ‘welle’ or ‘wic’, which mean a ‘place of running water’ or a ‘dwelling’ respectively.
In summary, Weldher is a surname of Germanic origin, and its variants, spellings, and related surnames include: Weider, Weither, Weldner, Weidler, Vieler, Völker, Völlger, Volger, Völler, Weber, Weiber, Velder, Weldherr, Weldhorst, Walkher, Wiler, Welzer, Sandweiler, Leiser, and Tubbesing. It is important to note that Weldher is distinct from the surname Weller of British origin.
Famous people with the name Weldher
- Theodore Weldher: a German-born American geneticist who was part of the first research to map the genetic code of prokaryotes. He also investigated the effects of radiation on genes.
- Robert Weldher: a Swiss-American entrepreneur and industrialist who founded the Weldher Corporation in 1891. He is credited with starting one of the first chemical production plants in the United States.
- Thomas Weldher: a German-born American art historian and collector. He was the first to recognize the importance of the Hudson River School of painters, and his collection of works by those artists is now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Guido Weldher: a German-born American mathematician and physicist who made important contributions to the field of quantum mechanics. He developed a mathematical model of the hydrogen atom and several theories related to wave mechanics.
- Richard Weldher: a German-born American film actor who appeared in over 40 films during the silent film era. He was known for roles as the villainous German officer in "The Iron Horse" and a heroic World War I soldier in "The Big Parade".