Surname Wheland - Meaning and Origin

Wheland: What does the surname Wheland mean?

The last name Wheland is of English origin, dating back to the pre-medieval times of the Anglo-Saxon period. It is derived from the Old English word hwaegl meaning "wall," or "protection." This suggests that the original bearer of the Wheland surname was a person who lived near or was associated with a protective wall.

Wheland may also be derived from a habitational name associated with places called Wye or WyeLand in Somerset and Gloucestershire. This place-name is derived from the Old English prefix "wigh," or "weoh" meaning "dwelling," which is combined with the second element "land." This suggests that the original bearer of the Wheland surname was someone from one of these localities.

The Wheland surname is still common in England, the United States, Canada, and Australia, and is closely linked to a proud family heritage. It is likely to have been adopted by those who were invited to settle England in the 10th century by the invading Normans as well as by those who traveled to other countries to build new lives. Today, the Wheland name carries with it a sense of family pride, loyalty, and patriotism.

Wheland: Where does the name Wheland come from?

The surname Wheland is an Americanized spelling of Wieland, a Germanic name derived from the Middle High German words “wile,” meaning “wild” or “strong,” and “land,” meaning “land.” Today, the last name Wheland is most commonly found in the United States. According to the 2010 United States Census, there were 212 individuals bearing this surname, with the majority living in New York and Pennsylvania.

In addition to the United States, families with the Wheland surname can be traced to the German speaking areas of Europe, specifically in Austria, Bavaria, Prussia, and Saxony. It is also found in Sweden, Belgium, South Africa, and Australia.

While the origin of the Wheland surname is Germanic, there is evidence to suggest that some Wheland families descended from Dutch settlers who arrived in Pennsylvania in the 1680s and 1690s. There is also speculation that one of the first Wheland families to arrive in the U.S. came from the Isle of Man.

In modern times, families with the Wheland surname are scattered across the globe. Whether of Germanic, Dutch, or Manx origin, the Wheland name is found in nearly every corner of the world.

Variations of the surname Wheland

The Wheland surname originates from Germany and can be found in records dating as far back as the 13th century. There are several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the Wheland surname.

The most common variant of the Wheland surname is Weiland, which can be found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. A few alternative spellings are Weild, Weall, Weißland, Wailand, Wakeland, and Whaillant. Some surnames derived from the Wheland surname include Weland, Wheild, Wheallant, Weelant, Whealy, Whelan, Wheeldon, and Weldansek.

The Wheland surname is found in other parts of the world as well. The spelling variations and/or surnames derived from Wheland have also been used in the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, England, and Scotland. The variation and surname Weldens appears to have been used most frequently in Scotland.

Interestingly, the Wheland surname can be found in records predating the 1300s in a variety of locations throughout Europe. It is believed that the name may have originated from a locality or settlement in Germany known as Weiland, located in the area of Westphalia. As people with this surname moved away from their homeland it appears that spelling variations and alternative surnames were created from the original Wheland surname.

Famous people with the name Wheland

• Jason Wheland: An American actor, comedian, and writer known for his roles in films such as We’re the Millers and Sorority Rising.
• Lily Wheland: A Canadian actor and director best known for her roles in The Magicians and The Good Doctor.
• Kole Wheland: An American actor known for his work in the HBO series True Blood, Criminal Minds, and Teen Wolf.
• Steve Wheland: An American sculptor and artist known for his public art installations.
• Tom Wheland: An American businessman and former chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the American apparel company Affliction Clothing.
• Devin Wheland: A former Canadian footballer and currently he is the head coach of the football program at Tulane University.
• Norma Wheland: A Canadian politician who served as the mayor of North Bay, Ontario from 1980-1988.
• Gilbert Wheland: An American record producer and composer who has collaborated with numerous artists including Bob Dylan and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
• Ross Wheland: An American physicist and astronomer, he is best known for his work in celestial mechanics and as a discoverer of asteroids.
• Amy Wheland: An American illustrator and animator, she is most known for her illustrations of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel Through the Looking Glass.

Other surnames

Whelan