Surname Weyhers - Meaning and Origin
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Weyhers: What does the surname Weyhers mean?
The name Weyhers is of German origin, likely derived from the Old High German word "weihari," meaning soldier or warrior. The name was often used to denote someone who was brave and loyal, and was popular among medieval aristocratic families.
The use of the name as a surname began in the late seventh century, when the first recorded use of the surname was in a document signed by one Wilhelm Weyhers from a village near Cologne in 766. This document gives evidence that by this time, the name had already been in use for some time.
As a surname, the name is derived from the German word "wehr," which translates to "defence" or "protection," suggesting that those with this surname were artisans or warriors who specialized in creating and using protective armour.
Throughout history, those with the surname Weyhers contributed to many political and religious movements, often in leadership roles. For example, one of the most well-known Weyhers was Konrad Weyhers, a priest from Ulm who was part of the powerful League of Spiritual Warfare during the Thirty Years War, and even served as an elector in the Holy Roman Empire.
In summary, the surname Weyhers originated in Germany and was traditionally associated with courage and loyalty. It is likely derived from the word "weihari," meaning soldier or warrior. The earliest recorded uses of the surname are linked to a document from near Cologne in 766, and those with this surname have historically been prominent in various political and religious movements.
Order DNA origin analysisWeyhers: Where does the name Weyhers come from?
The last name Weyhers is believed to originally be from Germany or The Netherlands. It is not particularly common today, however there are some population centers where the name is frequently found. The United States is one place with a significant population of people who carry the Weyhers last name. In the United States, the most prevalent locations for the Weyhers surname are concentrated around the East Coast, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. There is even a town in Pennsylvania called Weyersburg, a possible result of the name Weyhers. Other countries around the world that have a population carrying the name include Canada, Australia, and The Netherlands.
Worldwide, it is estimated that there are approximately a thousand individuals that identify with the Weyhers name. Part of the difficulty in determining exact numbers is due to many alternative variants of the name, such as Weiers, Weyers, and Weyersberg. This could be due to erroneous spelling by early populations or immigration officers.
The history of the Weyhers name is still unknown. It is a good reminder that many names and lineages remain largely unknown. Despite this, many descendants of the Weyhers family continue to carry the name and are reclaiming their heritage.
Variations of the surname Weyhers
The Weyhers surname has several variants and spellings, including Weihr, Weyers, Weyer, Wehri, Wehrer, Weier, and Weierman, as well as some less common variants such as Waifer, Weifer, and Wythers.
The origins of the Weyhers surname are largely Germanic, with a long history in the German-speaking countries of Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The name was long associated with agriculture and farming, and with the associated occupations such as carpenters, millers, wagon makers, and blacksmiths.
The name Weyhers is derived from the Old High German word ‘weih’, which means ‘ploughman’, referring to someone who worked the land as a farmer. These weih families likely originated in the area known as Saxony, an area of Germany located along the Elbe River. Many of these weih families eventually migrated to the Rhineland, the region of Germany that extends along the banks of the Rhine River.
The Weyhers surname is also a version of the name Wier, which is derived from the Latin word ‘v i v i a c i u m’ meaning ‘dwelling place’. As the name implies, people with this surname likely came from an area of Germany where dwellings were commonplace.
Overall, all of these spellings and variants of the Weyhers surname appear to have a common German-speaking European origin, with many of the families having migrated to the Rhineland area over the centuries.
Famous people with the name Weyhers
- Popular German tennis player Graf Jürgen Weyhers
- Renowned Japanese politician Takashi Matsubara Weyhers
- Legendary American artist Edward Weyhers
- Distinguished Venezuelan judge Hedwig Weyhers
- Illustrious German avatar Dr. Lorenz Weyhers
- Eminent Dutch recording engineer Klaas Weyhers
- Outstanding British soul singer Dan Weyhers
- Notable Spanish astrophysicist Dr. Andrea Weyhers
- Noteworthy French novelist Armand Weyhers
- Celebrated Canadian radio DJ Lola Weyhers