Surname Wetterley - Meaning and Origin
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Wetterley: What does the surname Wetterley mean?
The surname Wetterley does not have a clearly documented meaning as it does not appear in traditional surname dictionaries or databases. It may have geographical roots or may be derived from an occupation or personal trait of an early ancestor. However, the exact meaning remains uncertain due to its rarity. It is possible that the first part "Wetter" may derive from the German word for "weather," implying a potential connection to occupations like meteorology or seafaring. Alternatively, it could also suggest Scandinavian or Germanic roots, where "ley" or "leah" often refers to a clearing, meadow, or field. Always remember that surnames' meanings can evolve over the centuries, often making them difficult to interpret precisely. However, these are mostly speculations and the actual origin and meaning might be different. For an accurate interpretation, a professional genealogist would need to research the lineage of the family with the Wetterley surname.
Order DNA origin analysisWetterley: Where does the name Wetterley come from?
The last name Wetterley is most commonly found in the United States today. According to the Fractl Dry Hill survey, Wetterley is the most common last name in Missouri, with almost 1,000 families sharing the surname throughout the state. Additionally, Wetterley is the 54th most common name in the United States. It is especially popular on the East Coast, with many families sharing the last name concentrated in the states of Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland.
Within the United States, Wetterley is seen in many contexts. People of this name are found throughout all walks of life, from government to music to business. The family name also appears in many historical documents. For example, there is a reference to an Edward Wetterley who served in the Virginia militia during the Revolutionary War.
Outside of the United States, Wetterley is seen in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It even appears in records from Germany and Sweden, indicating that the family name stretches back centuries.
In any case, Wetterley is a well-known surname that has sparked curiosity in many families over the years. It is likely that more people around the world will become familiar with this unique name in the years ahead.
Variations of the surname Wetterley
The surname Wetterley is an Anglicized form of the German surname Wetterlid, which was believed to have originated from the city of Wetter in Hesse, Germany. It is also believed that this surname was derived from the German word ‘weder’, meaning moisture or wetness.
Variants of the surname Wetterley include Wetterle, Wetterlich, Wetterlied, and Wetterlid. Spellings of these variants include Wetterlee, Wetterlei, Wetterlie, Wetterly, and Wetterli.
Surnames of similar origin include Wetterdorf, Wetterling, Wetterman, and Wetterson. Wadler, Watler, and Watters are common surnames of a similar nature that have similar spellings.
While the roots of the Wetterley surname lay in Germany, the surname is found predominantly in the United Kingdom. It is not common in the United States.
Other surnames of similar origin can be found across Northern Europe, including Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Finland and Norway, while there are also occurrences in other countries, such as Austria and Romania.
Due to the German origin of the name, it has also become more common among those of German descent living in North America, with occurrences in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Famous people with the name Wetterley
- Corrie Wetterley, American actress.
- Dr. Adina Wetterley, medical researcher in the United States.
- Katie Wetterley, American sportscaster.
- Louis Wetterley, Australian farmer and businessman.
- Melissa Wetterley, British singer-songwriter.
- Sir Michael Wetterley, former Lord Mayor of London.
- Paul Wetterley, British businessmen and entrepreneur.
- William Wetterley, British diplomat and Ambassador.
- Adam Wetterley, American politician and governor.
- Teresa Wetterley, British humanitarian and civil rights activist.