Surname Weyland - Meaning and Origin

Weyland: What does the surname Weyland mean?

The last name Weyland is of Germanic origin and is derived from the Old German words “weg” (wey) meaning “path” and “land” meaning “land”, suggesting a literal translation of “land by the path”. In different parts of the German-speaking world, the name is spelled in various different ways and can include Weiland, Wailland, Weiland, Willand, and Wailand.

Historically, Weylands were predominantly found in the regions around the Rhine River, particularly in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In the United States, weyland families first began to settle in the mid-17th century and quickly spread out across the continental US.

Weyland families today express their heritage in many ways, often through occupations, such as blacksmiths and farmers. Others take less traditional routes in expressing their heritage, such as in the fields of arts, technology, sports, and even outer space. The first Weyland Corporation payload, an aeroshell containing a robotic lander, was launched to Mars in 2004.

The Weyland family is an example of a successful and expanding immigrant family, uniting and emboldening their heritage even after centuries of settlement in the US. The continued success of the Weylands is a testament to their ability to build strong and lasting relationships, as well as stay true to their roots.

Weyland: Where does the name Weyland come from?

The surname Weyland is generally found in countries where German or Scandinavian ancestry predominate, such as Germany, Austria, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands. It can also be found in countries with significant German or Scandinavian populations such as the United States, Canada, Switzerland, France, and the United Kingdom. In the US, Weyland is most heavily concentrated in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Pennsylvania.

The last name Weyland originated in Europe most likely as a first name in a family. It comes from the German word ‘Weiland’ which means pastures or meadows. It was probably adopted as a surname by a person associated to these meadows’ or pastures’ farms many years ago. The meaning of the name is also believed to be similar to ‘woodland’ or ‘land of the woods’, referring to the vast forests that covered much of Germany in those days.

Weyland is a relatively rare name now, especially in areas with large populations of immigrants. People with this name may be interrelated in some way with other people in the same group that have an ancestor with a similar name. The name is still used in some families with its original spelling in Germany, but has been slightly altered in places such as the United States and United Kingdom to become Weiland or Wieland.

Variations of the surname Weyland

The surname Weyland is of German and Anglo-Saxon origin. It has many variations and spellings, including Wealand, Welland, and Wieland, as well as other modern variants like Welan, Wellen, Wiland, and Wayland.

The earliest record of the surname Weyland appears in the 12th century in North Germany, meaning ‘dweller in the forest’ or ‘hunter’. Some of the earliest recorded surnames of this type were Wealand, Welland, and Wieland. These are believed to derive from a medieval Germanic personal name composed of the elements ‘vigil’ meaning ‘watch’, and ‘land’ meaning ‘land’ or ‘landscape’.

By the 16th century, the surname Weyland had spread to England and Scotland. Variations known from this period include Weiland, Wayland, and Waylond. In Scotland, the spelling ‘Waylan’ can be found, and in England, variants such as Wellan, Welan, Wellen, and Wilen can also be found.

In addition to the surnames already mentioned, other modern variants of Weyland include Wheelan, Welin, Welyon, Whalen, Wellens, Wyele, Wyland, Wylynn, and Welch.

Famous people with the name Weyland

• Benedict Weyland, an American entrepreneur and CEO.
• Mary Weyland, a prominent American businesswoman and philanthropist.
• Paul Weyland, a former NFL defensive back.
• Lexie Weyland, an American actress.
• David Weyland, a British entrepreneur and author.
• Rebecca Weyland, an American sports broadcaster and personality.
• Megan Weyland, an American musician.
• Julian Weyland, a British TV producer.
• James Weyland, a British entrepreneur and venture capitalist.
• Alison Weyland, an American photographer and artist.
• Sam Weyland, an American radio and television presenter.
• Arthur Weyland, a British film and television producer.
• Janine Weyland, an American actor and voice actor.
• Chris Weyland, an American writer and producer.
• Patrick Weyland, an American comic book artist.
• Georgia Weyland, an American singer and songwriter.
• Jeff Weyland, an American video game designer.
• Joe Weyland, an American musical artist.
• Mark Weyland, an American professional lacrosse player.
• Vin Weyland, an American professional street racer and stunt performer.

Other surnames

Weylandt