Surname Wetterlee - Meaning and Origin
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Wetterlee: What does the surname Wetterlee mean?
The surname Wetterlee is of German origin, likely originating near present-day Switzerland or German speaking regions of Austria. The name is a combination of two German words, "Wetter" meaning "weather" and "Lee" meaning "meadow". It is likely that the original bearer of the name was someone who lived close to a meadow or field with weather patterns that were significant enough to become part of their surname. The surname was likely adopted at some point in the family's history, when establishing surnames became more important in Europe.
Various spellings of the name exist today, such as Watralle, Wettereley, Weterley, and Wetterelly, as well as Wetterlee itself. Over the centuries, those bearing the name tended to gravitate toward the south of Germany, with records showing the family having been in the region for over five hundred years. It is possible that the family moved to other parts of Europe during that time, such as Switzerland or other German-speaking countries.
Today, the Wetterlee name is well known around various parts of the world, with the latest U.S. Census showing over three hundred people around America having the surname. The name is likely to have been introduced to America by way of German immigrants. Throughout the years and across the world, those with the Wetterlee name have no doubt left their mark and had a unique history.
Order DNA origin analysisWetterlee: Where does the name Wetterlee come from?
The last name Wetterlee is most common today in central Germany, particularly within the former East Germany. The Wetterlee family originated in the region of Thuringia, which is now a state of Germany.
The Wetterlee surname is a patronymic family name derived from a German given name, Werner. The name Werner comes from the Old High German elements “wern” meaning “protection” and “hari” meaning “army”.
The Wetterlees are believed to have been an ancient family with a long history in the region. During the 12th and 13th centuries, the Wetterlee family served the House of Heisbacken.
Today, the Wetterlee name is the most commonly found around the states of Lower Saxony, North Rhine- Westphalia, and Hesse, as well as parts of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. However, the surname is found in many other states in Germany, including Berlin, Bavaria, and Rhineland-Palatinate.
The Wetterlee surname has also spread to other countries, particularly in the United States, where there are large German-American communities in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and New York.
Outside of Germany and the United States, Wetterlee has also been found in the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, France, Italy, and Canada.
Variations of the surname Wetterlee
The Wetterlee surname is of German origin, and is found in various forms around the world. In Germany, variants include Wetterle, Vetterle and Vetterle. In Austria, the spelling is usually Wetterl. In the United States, the surname is frequently spelled Wetterly, and can also be found as Wetterling or Vetterling.
In Canada, the Wetterlee surname is often spelled Wetterol, Vetterle, Vetterl, Wettterlee,Wetterly, and Wetterling. Other spellings, such as Vetter, Vettrle and Wetry, can also be found there as well.
Due to different ways of spelling surnames around the world, Wetterlee can also be found in various other spellings and alternative surnames such as Wetsel, Wetsell, Wetselaar, Thalman, Thalmann, and Wetstein.
Surnames are often altered due to migration, so it is not uncommon for people of the Wetterlee surname to be found in countries such as Australia, South Africa, and Israel. In these countries, spellings of the Wetterlee surname may include Wetterla, Vettering, and Vetro.
The various spellings and alternative surnames of Wetterlee provide evidence of the surname’s international journey throughout the years, from its origins in Germany to many other countries around the world.
Famous people with the name Wetterlee
- Rose Wetterlee, American pieces maker
- Mena Wetterlee, World War II First Lady of Panama
- Florynce Rae Wetterlee, American civil rights leader and lawyer
- Dr. Mark Wetterlee, U.S. Navy Physician
- Roger Wetterlee, American sculptor and woodworker
- Estelle Jules Wetterlee, American artist and illustrator
- Melvin Wetterlee, Aerospace engineer and inventor
- Lee Wetterlee, American fashion designer
- Kenneth Wetterlee, American mechanical engineer
- Mary Wetterlee, American playwright and actor