Surname Westheiden - Meaning and Origin

Westheiden: What does the surname Westheiden mean?

The last name Westheiden, originated in the north-western area of Germany known as Westphalia, is a combination of the German words "west" and "Heiden" which translate to "western heathen". This is thought to be in reference to the early Germanic settlers that migrated from the Scandinavian region to this area around 1000 AD, as many of them were still considered to be "heathens" due to their cultural belief systems.

Over time, Westheiden, or Westphalians, became synonymous with the language of Low German or Plattdeutsch which was spoken by the inhabitants of Westphalia. This language was similar to the Dutch language but with some distinctive grammatical features and vocabulary.

In addition to the language development, Westphalia was also a major centre of trade and the development of new technology, particularly due to the extensive mining industry in the region. As a result, the Westphalians were known to be an industrious and hardworking people.

In terms of today, Westheiden is a fairly common surname throughout Europe and North America. While some individuals may still have a connection to the original Westphalian homeland, the majority don't. The Westphalian identity is mostly preserved through the language and cultural heritage, as many other aspects of life have changed over time.

Westheiden: Where does the name Westheiden come from?

The last name Westheiden is commonly found in Germany, where it is believed to have originated. It can also be found in smaller numbers in Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United States. It is a fairly uncommon last name, especially outside of Europe, so you won’t find many people with the name.

In Germany, the name Westheiden is most commonly found in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. Here, it is relatively common in certain cities, such as Aachen, Düsseldorf, and Essen. It is also somewhat common in some parts of Bavaria, including the cities of Würzburg, Nuremberg, and Munich.

In the United States, Westheiden is most commonly found in the states of Texas and Louisiana. Here, it is mostly concentrated in cities in the south, such as Houston, Dallas, and New Orleans. Interestingly, the name can also be found in California, New York, Michigan, and a few other states.

Overall, Westheiden is not a particularly common name, but it can be found throughout Germany, the United States, and a few other countries. Those with the name are likely to have ancestors who lived in either Germany or the southern United States.

Variations of the surname Westheiden

The surname Westheiden can have different spellings, variants and associated surnames depending on the origin and context that it is used in.

In German, the surname Westheiden is spelled Westheiden and is an occupational surname, derived from the old German word “westheide”, meaning an edge of the woods or clearing. Variants of the surname Westheiden include Westheiden, Westheid, Westeyden, Westeiden, Westhayden, Westhiden, Westhayd, Westhayd and others.

It may also be spelled as Wentheide or Wentheiden in the Netherlands, although the spelling is not common. The Dutch spelling reflects the general Low German version of the surname. In Dutch, variants of the surname Wentheide include Wenzee, Wentz, Wentzee and Van Wentheide.

In English, the surname Westheiden may be spelled as Westerheide, Westheide and Westhiede. Variants of the surname Westheide from English include Westerhite, Wester ranged, Westerhiede and Wisterhiede.

In Sweden, variants of the name Westheiden can include Westerhagen, Westerheden and Vesterheiden. The surname is spelled this way as the Swedes adopted the German name.

Overall, Westheiden is an uncommon surname; however, it is found in variations in many European countries including Germany, the Netherlands, England and Sweden.

Famous people with the name Westheiden

• Marius van Westheiden: Dutch television host.
• Uncle Kracker: American musician, rapper and singer born Matthew Shafer but legally changed his last name to Westheiden in 1992.
• Liza Minnelli: American actress, singer, and cabaret performer born as Liza May Minnelli but adopted the name Liza May Westheiden after her mother, Judy Garland, married her third husband, Sidney Luft.
• Jared Padalecki: American actor who adopted the last name Westheiden after his third grade teacher, Mrs. Westheiden.
• Melina Kanakaredes: American actress known for her role as Dr. Sydney Hansen on the hit TV series “Providence”. She legally changed her surname from Kanakaredes to Westheiden in 2001.
• Willem Westheiden: Dutch professional soccer player.
• Alwin Westheiden: German theater and film actor.
• Julia Westheiden: German television presenter and actress.
• Hannah Westheiden: German film actress.
• Franz Westheiden: German silent film actor.

Other surnames

WestheideWestheider