Surname Werst - Meaning and Origin
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Werst: What does the surname Werst mean?
The last name WERST is of German origin. It is believed to have derived from a word that means "to turn or turn over", and it dates back to the medieval times. The earliest record of the name dates back to the early 1600s in Germany.
The surname was common amongst farmers and other tradespeople in the area, particularly for those involved in the masonry and smithy trades. The name WERST was also shared by a well-known German artist and philosopher, Johann Adam WERST, who was born circa 1700 in what is now known as Bavaria.
In modern times, the surname WERST is still relatively common, and is most often associated with the Bavarian region of Germany where it originated. It is also found throughout Germany and other parts of Europe, as well as in some parts of the United States and Canada.
The name WERST is an indicative of a surname having a strong connection to a particular region or culture, and it is also a testament to the importance of family and the significance of one's last name. In many ways, the name WERST represents a fundamental part of one’s identity and heritage, a link to a shared past, and a lasting legacy that has endured for centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisWerst: Where does the name Werst come from?
The last name WERST is most commonly found in Germany today. It is a German surname, typically found in the western, northern, and central regions of the country.
WERST is an occupational surname that likely referred to a person who worked as a weaver, spinning yarn from wool or linen thread. Common forms of the surname include WERSTNER, WERSTELIN, and WERSTENBERG, all likely referring to workers who spun fabric for clothing, linens, and other everyday items.
WERST is an exceedingly rare surname, even within Germany, and it is difficult to trace the origin of its bearers. However, records suggest that it may have first appeared in the mid/late-14th century, likely in western Germany near the Swabian Alps.
Although the frequency of the WERST surname has diminished in Germany over time, due to low birth rates, expanding immigration, and other factors, descendants of the original bearers still reside in Germany today. A few members of the family have also spread to other countries, including both Australia and the United States.
Variations of the surname Werst
The surname WERST is mainly found in German speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also sometimes found in Central and Eastern European countries thanks to Austrian immigrations in the 19th century.
Common variants and spellings of the surname WERST are WERSCH, WERSE, VERSCH, and VERSE. The variations of the name can often depend on the language and geographical location of a family.
The variation between WERST and WERSCH is often down to a linguistic blurring between the written and spoken German language, in which a similar sounding letter can be used. The letter “E” in the middle of VERSE and VERSCH differ between two dialects of German, with the “E” being used in the Central German dialect and the “SCH” used in the southern German dialect.
In some cases, the surname could be derived from the given name Eberhard or Eberhart, as German family names spiral from given names. The surname could also be derived from the Middle High German and Lower German “wers” or “wirs,” which meant “a desire or will.”
Surnames variants of WERST include WERSCHBACHER, WERSCHELE, WERSCHMULLER, WERSCHOF, WERSCHLER, WERSKELER, WERSCHLAG, WERSCHENSKY, WERSCHKEL, WERSCHEAL, and WERSCHERLING. These spellings and surnames typically fall within the Central German and south German variants of the name.
In some cases, the surname could have also evolved from multiple different origins, such as from WURST and WERST, which become WURST when simply misspelled. The same could be said for spelling variants such as WERCH, VERST, VREST, and VORST. These are all possibilities, yet not as likely.
Famous people with the name Werst
- Eric Werst, professional ice hockey player for the San Jose Sharks
- Greg Werst, professional Monster Truck driver
- Jeremey Werst, former professional BASE jumper
- Michaël Werst, Belgian ceramic artist
- Vladimir Werst, Russian artist and animator
- Harrison Werst, actor and script writer
- Sarah Werst, CEO of HypoStem, biotechnology company
- Mark Werst, professor of history at the University of Toronto
- Amanda Werst, Olympic gold medalist in women's ice hockey
- Harry Werst, jazz musician