Surname Widener - Meaning and Origin
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Widener: What does the surname Widener mean?
The last name Widener has several possible origins. Some sources suggest that it is derived from a Germanic personal name “Wido,” which is derived from the element “witu” meaning “wood” or “forest.” It is also possible that the name is derived from a Middle English topographical name meaning “one who lived outside of the forest.”
The surname Widener has several variant spellings and can be found spelled as Widener, Widner, Widnair, Widnoe, Widner, and Wedner. It is most commonly found in the United States, where it is most likely of German origin. It is also found in England, Austria, and the Netherlands.
Wideners have held prominent positions in the United States for generations. They were important industrialists and financiers, such as the late P. W. Widener, who co-founded the iconic Widener University located in Pennsylvania. The Wideners have also been noted for their commitment to philanthropy and have supported numerous charities and foundations.
In conclusion, the last name Widener is derived from a Germanic personal name or a Middle English topographical name. The surname is most commonly found in the United States, where the Wideners have held prominent positions and have committed to several philanthropic efforts.
Order DNA origin analysisWidener: Where does the name Widener come from?
The last name Widener is mainly found in the United States but also exists in some other countries. The name Widener is of German origin but has some English influences as well. It is widely represented throughout the United States with the largest numbers of people with the name Widener residing in Pennsylvania, where it is most common. It is also found in other states such as New York, California, and New Jersey, though nowhere near the number in Pennsylvania.
The Widener family has made its mark in history, with a number of Wideners who have made significant contributions in many areas, including business, the arts, philanthropy, and politics. Prominent figures with the last name include railroad and shipping magnate Peter A.B. Widener, philanthropist J.P. Widener and his son Joseph Widener, and US Senator Matthew H. Ransom, also known as "the Widener senator".
The Widener family is related to the prestigious Vanderbilt family, since George Washington Vanderbilt, the grandson of shipping tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt, married Hannah Josephine Widener. This union resulted in new generations of the Widener family bearing the Vanderbilt name.
Though it is not a very common surname, today the Widener surname is mainly associated with the wealthy and powerful and remains one of the most distinguished family names in America.
Variations of the surname Widener
The surname Widener has many variations and spellings including Widener, Widner, Wiedner, Wieder, Widnar,Widmar, Wiedmar, Videnar, Videner, Vedener, Wydener, and Wiedener.
The Widener surname is found in many family lines, tracing its roots back to a variety of different countries. Germany and the Netherlands are the two primary countries of origin for this surname. Those with the last name of Widener in Germany may have originally come from the region of Bavaria, while Widener in the Netherlands may have roots in the province of Zeeland.
The surname Widener holds a variety of meaning ranging from wide, to wide- enterer, to the keeper or guard of a path. In Germany, the term was likely derived from Middle High German wazzener, which essentially means border guard. While in the Netherlands, Widener may have derived from Wieden, which is a small, wooded area.
This surname also appears to have some debate in its origin, as some suggest that it could have stemmed from Slavic origins. There is a region called Widyn located in Poland that may have contributed to the surname.
In all, the Widener surname originates from many different countries and holds a variety of meanings. Variations may be found all over the world and this broad ancestry will likely remain for much longer.
Famous people with the name Widener
- Barbara Hutton Widener: American philanthropist
- Harry Elkins Widener: American businessman and bibliophile
- Lynsie Campbell Widener: American conservationist
- William L. Widener: Vice president of the Widener’s Retail Chain
- Peter A. B. Widener: Former President of the Pennsylvania Railroad
- Joseph Early Widener: American art collector
- Theodore Elkins Widener: Businessman and patriarch of the Widener family
- Samuel R. Widener: Businessman and philanthropist
- P.A.B. Widener II: Chairman and CEO of the family business
- Conway MacMillan Widener: Heir to the Widener family business