Surname Wennmar - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Wennmar: What does the surname Wennmar mean?
The last name Wennmar is of German origin. It is derived from the word “wende,” which refers to a turning point or a time of new beginnings. In its archaic form, this name would have been spelled “Wenemer” or “Wenemerre.”
The earliest records of this name can be found in documents from the 16th century in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. It is likely that the family were servants of the counts in the state. In fact, the variants of this name found in documents are often linked to the Counts of Falkenstein, who held land in the same state.
In modern times, the Wennmar surname is still found predominantly in Germany. It is now a relatively rare name, however, which suggests that the population of those with the surname is small.
The meaning of the surname is an important one, as it suggests a new beginning or a turning point. This could apply to any individual who carries this name, although it is difficult to assign a meaning to the namesake itself. The fact that we have the earliest records of the name surviving comes from a time of changing fortunes for individuals in German society, further lends emphasis to the meaning behind this name.
Order DNA origin analysisWennmar: Where does the name Wennmar come from?
The last name Wennmar is most commonly found in Germany, particularly in the northern part of the country. It is also common in Scandinavia, particularly Norway and Sweden; and a few other countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The surname may be derived from the Old Norse personal name "Vingnarr", derived from the verb "Vingnir", meaning to "win" or "conquer".
In Germany, the frequency of the surname Wennmar is highest in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region, where it ranks as the 338th most common surname. In Sweden, it is the 930th most common surname, with concentrations around southern Sweden and central Stockholm. In Norway, the surname is most commonly found in the counties of Telemark, Rogaland, and Akershus.
In the United States, the surname Wennmar is not particularly common. It is most commonly found in the Midwest and Northeast, particularly in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, and New York. It is also present in California, Colorado, and New Jersey. In Canada, the surname is most commonly found in large metropolitan areas in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario.
In Australia, the surname Wennmar is not particularly common; however, it is found in large cities, particularly Adelaide, Perth, and Melbourne. Interestingly, it is also common in the Shetland Islands off Scotland, likely due to the Scandinavian influence.
Overall, the surname Wennmar is most commonly found in Germany and Scandinavia, but also appears in other countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia.
Variations of the surname Wennmar
The surname Wennmar has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common spelling is Wennmarr, though it can also be seen written as Wennmerr, Wenmeer, Winmar, Wenmar, Winmer, and Wannmar. All of these spellings are derived from Germanic and Scandinavian roots, with the root being the personal name Winemar, composed of the elements “winn,” meaning “friend” and “mar,” meaning “fame” or “renowned”.
Other possible surnames of similar origin include Winemar, Wijnmar, Wynmar, Wienmar, Wimmer, and Wimme. It can also be found as the Germanic surname Wienecke and in the old Icelandic form of Vinimar.
Wennmarr is often linked to the Dutch and Flemish version of the surname Winnenmars, as well as to the French Wiernas. Further variants can be found in Scandinavian countries, such as the Danish spellings Vennemar, Vennima, and Vennimaard, as well as the Norwegian Venmarr, Vennemar, and Vennimarad. Similarly, the name can be found in various Austrian dialects, such as Wen consumer, Wennimor and Wennmrer.
It is obvious from this myriad of spellings and variations that the surname Wennmar is of widespread European origin. It is likely to have derived from the Middle High German given name "Wmiddle,” meaning “one who is praised.” Interestingly, the primitive root of the surname can be traced back to the ancient Germanic god Woden, or Woten, who was renowned for his wisdom and strength.
Famous people with the name Wennmar
- Jack Wennmar: Swedish actor, comedian, and singer.
- Jamie Wennmar: British beatboxer.
- Adele Wennmar: British violinist.
- Martin Wennmar: Swedish film producer and director.
- Fred Wennmar: Swedish actor and director.
- Lars Wennmar: Swedish writer and director.
- Glenn Wennmar: Swedish television presenter.
- Else Wennmar: Swedish singer and music educator.
- Albin Wennmar: Swedish composer and musician.
- David Wennmar: American politician from South Carolina.
- Lars-Åke Wennmar: Swedish composer and musician.
- Michael Wennmar: Swedish director, actor, and musician.
- Gunnel Wennmar: Swedish illustrator and artist.
- Henrik Wennmar: Swedish lawyer and politician.
- Sten Wennmar: Swedish journalist and non-fiction writer.