Surname Wetterlea - Meaning and Origin
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Wetterlea: What does the surname Wetterlea mean?
The surname Wetterlea is a German/Austrian name which has been used since the 1400s, likely originating in Germany or Austria. The meaning of the name itself is not entirely known, but it's thought to be derived from the German word "wettern," which means to roar or to bellow. This could be described as a reference to a specific location or to someone's character, suggesting loudness or rage.
Wetterlea is a name of strength and power, often referring to someone with a strong personality or someone who is determined and driven. It's a name that has been borne by many influential and meaningful people over the centuries, from vintners to soldiers and leading politicians.
Today, the Wetterlea surname can be found in many countries and cultures, from the United States to Germany and Austria, as well as other parts of Europe. As a cultural identity and a sense of pride, the Wetterlea surname has endured the test of time as a legacy of strength, determination, and resilience.
Order DNA origin analysisWetterlea: Where does the name Wetterlea come from?
The last name Wetterlea is most commonly found in Germany today; it is among the most frequent surnames in the country. The name may have originated in Prussia when surnames were first introduced in the 19th century, though the exact origin is unknown. It is derived from the German lower-case word 'wetterle', a diminutive of 'wetter', meaning 'weather' or 'climate'.
The Wetterlea surname has been passed down by generations of families in Germany over the centuries, with some variations in spelling such as Wetterlee, Wetterelea, Wetterlia and Wetterlia. It is likely the name has gone through minor changes due to regional dialects and alienating family lines.
Today, the surname is found throughout Germany, particularly in the north and west of the country. Other areas it is found include Austria, Switzerland, and the United States. It is increasingly common to find the last name Wetterlea around the world due to population movement and migration.
In the United States, the surname is most prevalent in California, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, and Illinois; in the United Kingdom, it can be found in England, Wales and Scotland.
Given its German origins, it's no surprise that the Wetterlea surname is found mostly in Germany. Despite its prevalence in the country, it is also found far and wide in many other countries around the world.
Variations of the surname Wetterlea
The surname Wetterlea is believed to have derived from a place called WetterLai in the Bavarian region of southern Germany. It is believed that the name reflects the local terrain, as the region was very marshy and wet. This surname has been spelled a few different ways over the years, including Wetterlay, Wetterlee, Wetterley, Wetterleg, Wetterlea and Wettereley.
In many countries around the world, the surname Wetterlea has evolved into other surnames over the course of centuries. Some examples of these variants and spellings are Wetterla, Wetterlin, Wetterele, Wetterlen, and Wetterlos. In Scandinavia, the surname is sometimes spelled Väterlic or Vetterle. The Polish version of the name is Weterle, and the Dutch version is Wetterheim.
There are several other variations and surnames that share the same origin. In Italy, the Wetterlea surname can be found spelled Vedrele, Vetrele, Vatrella, Vetrella, and Vetterli. In Spain, the surname is often spelled Beterel and Batrell. The French version is Vetral, Wetrel, Wetriel, Wetaerl, and Wetterel. In Scotland, the surname is often seen spelled Wettherlae or Wetherlae.
Due to the nature of the origin of this surname and the longevity of its legacy, there are many other variations and spellings that it has evolved to over the centuries. In the United States, many Wetterlea families have had their surname slightly changed to reflect different spelling preferences. Many of these spellings are still common today, including Wetterlow, Wetterling, Wetterstrom, and Wetterelli.
Famous people with the name Wetterlea
- Katie Wetterlea: Katie Wetterlea is an American writer, director, and editor. She has written and directed several shorts and feature films including her feature film, ‘Dietrich’ which won Best Film at Method Fest and was an official selection of numerous festivals.
- Sophia Wetterlea: Sophia Wetterlea is an American artist and illustrator who is known for her bold, colorful and illustrative work. She has exhibited her work in numerous galleries and works in a variety of mediums including sculpture, painting, and printmaking.
- Caroline Wetterlea: Caroline Wetterlea is an American author and poet. She has written several books including her memoir ‘Twilight and the Unknown’ and her collection of poetry, ‘The Unseen Garden’.
- Christopher Wetterlea: Christopher Wetterlea is an American fiction and non-fiction author. He has written several books including the novel, ‘The Human Factor’, and the best-selling true crime book, ‘Murder in the Heartland’.
- Cam Wetterlea: Cam Wetterlea is an American musician and songwriter. He has released several solo albums and has collaborated with various artists. He is a multi-instrumentalist and is known for his alternative, indie-rock sound.