Surname Wenner - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Wenner: What does the surname Wenner mean?
The last name Wenner is of German origin and is derived from the German word for "warner". The term was first used to describe someone who served as a watchman or sounder of alarm, usually in a castle.
In medieval Germany, the role of 'Warners' or 'Wenner' was highly important, serving much the same purpose as modern-day firemen, police officers, or security staff. In an era where danger lurked around every corner, warning the inhabitants of danger was a necessary service.
In modern times, the name 'Wenner' can simply indicate German heritage. In some regions, it is also seen as a variant of the name 'Werner', which is thought to be derived from 'Warmund' or 'Waramon', two masculine Germanic names from the Middle Ages.
For those with the surname 'Wenner', it can symbolize a sense of duty and loyalty to serving a greater cause. It can remind one that safety and security of others may require constant vigilance, and can inspire the courage and strength needed to carry out that responsibility.
Order DNA origin analysisWenner: Where does the name Wenner come from?
The last name Wenner is most commonly found in Germany, especially in a region of Bavaria known as Franconia. The Wenner surname is a Germanic name originally derived from the German term "wenig," meaning "few" or "little." It was likely originally used to distinguish a small branch of a larger family.
Over time, the Wenner name has spread from Germany to other countries around the world, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and even Switzerland. In the United States, the highest prevalence of the name is in the Midwestern states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota. It is also found in much lower numbers in North Carolina, Georgia, and Massachusetts.
The Census Bureau estimates that approximately 12,000 people with the Wenner surname currently reside in the United States. It is ranked as the 5,453rd most common surname in the country. While the surname Wenner is relatively rare, its frequency is uniform throughout the country and it does not seem to be in danger of disappearing in the near future.
Variations of the surname Wenner
The surname Wenner is an uncommon German name, believed to have originated in the region of Bavaria. The most common variants of the surname include Wanner, Wynner and Wann. It is also often seen, especially in more rural parts of Germany, being spelt with an umlaut over the ‘e’, as Wënner. In some parts of Germany, the surname is sometimes seen with an extra ‘n’ as Wennner or Winner.
The surnames Wanner, Wynner and Wann, are all derivatives of the initial surname. The surname Wanner is likely derived from the Middle High German words ‘wanen’ or ‘wanne’ which were used to mean ‘to wander’. The surname Wynner is thought to be a combination of W and Y, as it was used as a form of a diminutive. The surname Wann is a short form of Wanner and Wynner.
There are also similar sounding surnames of other origins sounding similar to ‘Wenner’. These include the Hungarian surname Vegner, the German surname Wender and the Danish surname Wenne. Whilst having similar sounding names, they still bear different origins and have no connection to the German surname Wenner.
Famous people with the name Wenner
- Jann Wenner: American magazine publisher known for founding Rolling Stone Magazine.
- Steve Wenner: American Drums Corporation executive and son of Jann Wenner.
- Tamara Wenner: Former Miss Colorado and fashion model.
- Jeff Wenner: American businessman and former Chairman of the Board for Sentient Jet.
- Gary Wenner: Professional Rocket League and Call of Duty player.
- Ellen Wenner: Actress and philanthropist.
- Lauren Wenner: Former ESPN college basketball analyst and former head coach at Valparaiso University.
- Bob Wenner: Multi-instrumentalist Americana Folk singer-songwriter.
- Bill Wenner: Scientist and inventor with numerous patents attributed to him.
- Wendy Wenner: American lawyer and legal administrator specializing in corporate and international law.