Surname Whitmoyer - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Whitmoyer: What does the surname Whitmoyer mean?
The last name Whitmoyer is of Germanic origin and is derived from the German language. It is composed of two parts: 'Whitz' (which means white) and 'moyer' (which derives from the Latin word 'maior', meaning greater). Together they mean "greater white". This surname is found primarily in the United States, with a few scattered locations in Germany, Switzerland, and Luxemburg.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, this name was most commonly found among German-speaking immigrants that settled in the Pennsylvania and Maryland region, as well as in Ohio. In general, the Whitmoyer family treasured hard work and achieved success through diligent effort. This was often achieved through agriculture although during industrialization, some members of the family moved into coal mining, railroads, and iron manufacture.
Today, the name Whitmoyer still stands strong and is used in many areas such as business, arts, and the sciences. The Whitmoyers continue to be an influential family both in the form of business success, and in public service. There have been Whitmoyers serving in the armed forces, elected to local public office, and working for global charities.
This ancient and noble surname was originally chosen by the people who bared it to exemplify the ideals of hard work, resilience, and positive ambition. It is an enduring legacy that honors their industrious and persevering qualities.
Order DNA origin analysisWhitmoyer: Where does the name Whitmoyer come from?
The last name Whitmoyer is most commonly found in the United States, especially in the northeastern and midwestern parts of the country. It is especially common in Pennsylvania, where over 1,100 individuals with the surname lived according to the 2019 US Census. It is also found in other states in the northeast and midwest, including Ohio, Michigan, and New York, as well as further south in Virginia and West Virginia.
The last name Whitmoyer is of German origin. It is derived from an occupational name for a weaver or tailor, deriving from the German word "weißmeuerr” or “weißmaurer”, which can both roughly be translated as "White Mason". It could also be derived from the German verb "mauer" meaning "to wall" or "to build".
The Whitmoyers in America are likely descended from the earliest immigrants of the same name, who went to Pennsylvania as part of the German migration beginning in the 1700s and continuing to the present day. In fact, Pennsylvania is home to the most Whitmoyers in the US, and is one of the states with the highest concentration of German immigrants in the country.
It is worth noting that most Whitmoyers in America today are likely descendants of those original immigrants. Consequently, many of them are still concentrated in the states their ancestors first settled in generations ago.
Variations of the surname Whitmoyer
The Whitmoyer surname is primarily a German name, with variants including Whitmyer, Whetmire, Witmayer, Whitmeyer, Whitmair, Wietmeyer, Weitmeyer, Weitmair, Wetmeyer, Whetmayer, Wetmair, Wetmoyer, Whetmeir, and Wetmoir.
The earliest recorded mention of this name was in Branconfe Peace, issued in the year 842 AD. This document mentions the name of Isemi of Whitmire, who is thought to be the earliest known ancestor of the Whitmoyer family. The name was found in many German records, typically spelled with an “W” indicating a German origin and that the family likely settled in the Black Forest Region of Germany in the early 17th century.
The Whitmoyer surname was typically used in German-speaking areas of Europe, such as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland and Alsace.
In the United States, the Whitmoyer name is most commonly found in Pennsylvania and is thought to have been introduced by German settlers who began arriving in the early 1700s and were some of the original settlers of the colonies. Today, the Whitmoyer surname can be found in many modern countries, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
The Whitmoyer family name is usually associated with an industrious yet creative spirit. Members of this name have made various professional contributions to their respective ancestors such as being builders, architects, and engineers. Each of these talents can be found within the numerous generations of Whitmoyer family legacy.
Famous people with the name Whitmoyer
- Ken Whitmoyer: professional American soccer player.
- Scott Whitmoyer: American actor.
- Cobey Whitmoyer: American artist.
- John Whitmoyer: Parish priest.
- Liberty Whitmoyer: actress.
- Alfred Whitmoyer: local politician.
- Jody Whitmoyer: minister with the United Methodist Church.
- Matthew Whitmoyer: luthier.
- Joe Whitmoyer: fire chief.
- Nate Whitmoyer: singer-songwriter.
- Kendra Whitmoyer: television producer.
- Amy Whitmoyer: playwright.
- Nora Whitmoyer: actress.
- Joan Whitmoyer: philanthropist.
- Abigail Whitmoyer: professional athlete.
- Albert Whitmoyer: art collector.
- Kimberly Whitmoyer: healthcare executive.
- Lea Whitmoyer: radio host.
- Robert Whitmoyer: political strategist.
- Kerri Whitmoyer: film director.