Surname Westfehling - Meaning and Origin
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Westfehling: What does the surname Westfehling mean?
The last name Westfehling is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "wester(n)" meaning "west" and "fehlen", meaning "to be missing". As such, the name roughly translates to "one who is missing from the west".
The earliest known recording of the Westfehling name is sourced from the archives of a village in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, where a Johannes Westphalen was listed in the town's tax rolls as early as 1542. Over time, the name, like many names of German origin, has been adapted to the regional dialect, which is why it is found in various spelling versions.
After the English translations of Westfehling and Westphalen were created, these names spread across Europe, often to countries where German influence was particularly strong, including Russia, Austria, and Prussia. Today, the Westfehling name can be found across the world, particularly amongst those of German descent.
The meaning of the last name is likely to have a familial significance as surname chosen in order to honor and remember one's roots and past. It is likely that the original version of the Westfehling name was passed down from generation to generation, reflecting its relevance in the lives of those who have inherited it.
Order DNA origin analysisWestfehling: Where does the name Westfehling come from?
The last name Westfehling is most commonly found in Germany today, with a few individuals with that surname in the United States. It is possible that some descendants of Westfehling who immigrated to the United States have since changed their surname or anglicized it.
The surname is borne by approximately 1,000 people in Germany, with the vast majority located in the states of Lower Saxony, Berlin, and Bavaria.
Westfehling is believed to have been derived from a place name of a settlement named Westfeld or Westfelingen, which was located near the present-day city of Osnabrück in Lower Saxony. The name likely refers to someone from this settlement; hence, the original bearer of the name was from Westfeld.
The original spelling variations of the name Westfehling may have included Westfeling, Westfeld, Westflieg, Westflug, Westfliegle, Westfleig, Westfling, and Westfleg.
The rate of occurrence of this name has decreased over the years, likely due to emigration of some of the people bearing this surname from Germany to other countries. It is likely that the future of the surname may depend on the continued emigration of Germans from the country, or on the number of people in Germany who choose to keep the Westfehling surname in the future.
Variations of the surname Westfehling
Westfehling is a German surname that has different spellings and is seen in many countries. The most common variants include Westfheling, Westphaeling, Westeveit, Vesteveit, and Westefeling. Westphal, Westerfeld, Westphling, and Westfeld are some of the other variants that are also seen. It is believed that this name may have originated from the time when people used to move and settle in different areas.
In English-speaking countries, the surname is mainly seen as ‘Westfalling’ or ‘Westvelling’. It has also been modified and changed to ‘Westville’, ‘Westfeld’, ‘Westhöflein’, ‘Westlings’, and ‘Westfiling’. Other variations of name like Westfeller, Westvelder, Westfelt, Westvlughen, Westvluggen, Westfuelling, Westfleece, Westfeltz, Westfehr, Westhammer, Westhammerling, Westman, and Westmanling can also be found in those countries.
In Germany, the surname can also be found as ‘Vesteveit’ or ‘Westeveit’, while other variants present in the country include ‘Vesteveling’ and ‘Westefeling’. All these versions of Westfehling originated from the same root and they all have German ancestry.
Apart from having many variations, the surname is linked to many prominent families with an old background. Hence, if you have this surname, you possess a great history and culture that makes your family stand out from the rest.
Famous people with the name Westfehling
- Sabine Westfehling, German-born American documentary filmmaker
- Julie Westfehling, Austrian flutist and music educator
- Tom Westfehling, German politician
- Björn Westfehling, Swedish ice hockey player
- Wilhelm Westfehling, German landscape painter
- Sven Westfehling, German photography professor
- Miguel Westfehling, Spanish visual artist
- Hannah Westfehling, German stage actress
- Damon Westfehling, American former professional basketball player
- Manfred Westfehling, German keyboard player for the rock bands Birth Control and Roger Chapman & The Shortlist