Surname Wessinger - Meaning and Origin
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Wessinger: What does the surname Wessinger mean?
The last name Wessinger is an occupational surname of German origin, derived from a Middle High German word meaning "wage-earner" or someone who works for wages. The earliest recorded Wessinger was possibly a miller or a master craftsman in the trades of weaving, wood, or metal working. As such, the name could have been given to a person who worked in some kind of trade, such as a craftsman, a mason, a miller or a wheelwright. It is also possible that the name was given to anyone who derived their income from their work, such as an artisan or peasant.
The Wessinger family is thought to have originated in the small German village of Hohenzell in the province of Sachsen. The first record of this surname was in 1312 when Johannes Wessinger, a citizen of the city of Freiberg, was mentioned in records about a local court case.
The name Wessinger is common throughout Germany and today is found in many parts of the world. They are believed to have emigrated to other countries – most likely during the 1800s and 1900s – escaping poverty and seeking greater opportunities in America and elsewhere.
In America, the Wessinger family settled mainly in Pennsylvania and Ohio initially, but eventually spread out to other parts of the country where they could work and prosper. It is still possible to find a family bearing this name throughout the United States and parts of Canada.
Order DNA origin analysisWessinger: Where does the name Wessinger come from?
The last name Wessinger is relatively uncommon today. The 2020 United States Census does not record any prominent concentrations of the Wessinger surname. However, records of its occurrences do indicate that most of its bearers today can be found in the southern United States. Specifically, the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama show the highest amount of Wessingers. Evidence online points to a predominance of this surname in eastern North Carolina, especially in urban areas such as Charlotte and the coast.
The family trace may well have originated in Germany, before proceeding to Lancaster County in Pennsylvania where some Wessingers established their homes in the 1700s. It is highly possible that these Wessingers migrated to the southern states over the years.
Some records also suggest that the Wessingers may have origin in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, as well as locations in Northern Europe such as Scotland and England. In the more recent past, some Wessingers may have also immigrated to the United States and other countries.
Overall, the Wessinger surname appears to be fairly rare, with most of its bearers residing in the southern United States.
Variations of the surname Wessinger
The surname Wessinger is of German origin and is synonymous with the historically old family line of the Wessingers. Variants of the surname include Wesinger, Wesing, Weschinger, Wesching, Wessink and Weisinger. Spelling variations are often seen in many different cultures’ surnames and the surname Wessinger is no exception. The spelling variations include Wessingar, Wesinger, Weschinger, Weschink, Wessink, and Weisinger. It is also common for a patronymic surname to be formed with the prefix “son of Wessinger” or “vonWessinger”. Variants of the surname Wessinger can also be found in other countries such as Austria where the variations are Wesenjoer, Wesing, Wessing, Wessinghofer and Wesingerhof.
The name Wessinger was originally used to identify someone from the ancient and distinguished Wessinger family. The Wessinger family was seen as prominent within the region and held various power and status within the region through the 13th century. This family was highly respected and could be found in several regions. This included territories in Bavaria, Brandenburg, Hesse, Prussia, Saxony or Austria.
The Wessinger name can be traced back to the 12th century when it was first recorded in the region. The earliest recorded record of the family name is that of Herman Wessinger, who was the chaplain at the St. Stephanion church in Basel, Switzerland in 1153.
Famous people with the name Wessinger
- Jessica Wessinger: Jessica Wessinger is an American singer-songwriter, actress, and voice actress. She is best known for her critically acclaimed 2018 album, The Element.
- Gertrude Wessinger: Gertrude Wessinger is an American artist known for her abstract and surrealist paintings. She has received numerous honors and awards for her art, including an honorary doctorate from the Rhode Island School of Design.
- Clara Wessinger: Clara Wessinger is a German actress who has starred in numerous films, television series, and stage plays. She has also been involved in several humanitarian causes and is an outspoken advocate for human rights.
- Johanna Wessinger: Johanna Wessinger is a Swiss contemporary abstract painter whose works often incorporate surreal elements. She has won many awards and exhibits in galleries and museums around the world.
- Stan Wessinger: Stan Wessinger is an American musician and producer known for his work on records by the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and John Lennon, among others. He has also produced a number of successful solo projects.
- Brian Wessinger: Brian Wessinger is an American songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He has worked with artists such as Christina Aguilera, Taylor Swift, and Kanye West, among others.