Surname Widenmeyer - Meaning and Origin
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Widenmeyer: What does the surname Widenmeyer mean?
The last name Widenmeyer is a German surname that was used to identify people from a place called Wideneck, which was located in Germany. The name is composed of two elements: Wid and Meyer. Wid is a German term meaning "Wide" and refers to the location, which is known to be wide, open, and spacious. Meyer is derived from the German word meind, which means "mighty" and is thought to be a reference to those who held influential positions of power in the area.
The surname Widenmeyer was first established in the region in 1240, when it was given to a nobleman called Boris von Wideneck. As centuries passed, more and more families adopted this last name until it became common all over Germany. Later on, during the 1700s, many individuals bearing this last name emigrated to different parts of Europe and the United States.
Today, the surname is still widely used and can be found in different countries across the globe. It stands as a testament to the influence and power held by the medieval Wideneck families. In addition, it signifies the successful journey of the Widenmeyer family, which overcame many obstacles to travel across the world and establish a new life.
Order DNA origin analysisWidenmeyer: Where does the name Widenmeyer come from?
The last name Widenmeyer is most commonly found today in parts of Germany, while much smaller populations are scattered throughout the world. It is a habitational German name with origin from the Old High German words ‘wideman’ and ‘marah,’ which mean ‘wood’ and ‘boundary,’ respectively. This could mean that it was a name given to a person living near a forest or who was otherwise closely associated with a wooded area.
Census records from Germany show that Widenmeyer is the most common in the states of Bavaria and Hesse, as well as the city of Berlin, making up a majority of the population bearing the last name. The areas where Widenmeyer is most common in Germany have seen surges of emigration over the centuries, leading to populations with the last name Widenmeyer found in other countries around the world, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and other parts of Europe, such as the Netherlands, Austria, and Switzerland.
As of the year 2000, the largest population of living individuals with the last name Widenmeyer reside in the United States, with an estimated 2,000 people bearing the last name. This population of Widenmeyer is concentrated in the states of Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Utah.
Overall, the last name Widenmeyer is most prominently found in parts of Germany, the United States, and other parts of Europe, where populations bearing the last name have been dispersed by migrations throughout centuries.
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Variations of the surname Widenmeyer
The surname Widenmeyer is derived from an ancient Germanic language. As an occupational surname it is related to the Middle High German words ‘widumere’ and ‘widumier’ which mean ‘keeper of the wild animals’. It is believed to have been first adopted by a gamekeeper or poacher in the 12th century.
Today there are several variants, spellings and surnames that can be traced back to the original Widenmeyer surname. Variants like Widemeyer and Widmeier are common throughout Germany, and spellings like Widman have been adopted by members of the same family who have emigrated to the United States and Canada.
In the French speaking sphere the name has been spelt Widemaire or Widemaire and is often found in Belgium. Additionally Widemari has been adopted by families in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Scotland.
Surnames that are derived from the same original source include Widener, Widynski, Wideman, Widmayer, Wittman, Widdemann, and Wetter. All of these surnames share certain phonological qualities that can be linked to the Widenmeyer surname.
Overall there is a large number of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin that have developed from the original Germanic name of Widenmeyer.
Famous people with the name Widenmeyer
- Sidney Widenmeyer: American Watercolorist
- Charles Widenmeyer: American Landscape and Still Life Painter
- Josh Widenmeyer: Member of the musical group Happy Fangs
- Alexa Widenmeyer: Businesswoman and Founder of Imbibe Snacks
- Amanda Widenmeyer: News Editor for RCR Wireless News
- Robert Widenmeyer: Retired librarian
- George Widenmeyer: Retired Mixed Martial Arts Professional
- Nathan Widenmeyer: Former Playwright and screenwriter
- Abby Widenmeyer: American Professional Golfer
- Karen Widenmeyer: Entrepreneur and Speaker
- Kyle Widenmeyer: Co-Founder of Satori Insite