Surname Widerschpan - Meaning and Origin
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Widerschpan: What does the surname Widerschpan mean?
The last name Widerschpan is a German surname derived from the old German word “wider” which means “to the back” and “schpan” which means “board”. Together, these two words can be translated to mean “back board”.
Widerschpan was most likely an occupational name given to someone who worked in the manufacturing of back boards. These back boards were likely used in the preparation of furniture and other products.
The Widerschpan name dates back to the late 18th century in Germany. Their presence in the country can be traced back to the small communities of Bavaria and Franconia.
The Widerschpan family has migrated throughout Europe and to the United States over the past two centuries. Today, many Widerschpans can still be found in Germany and Austria and in the United States, where they are spread out throughout the country.
The name “Widerschpan” is a reminder of the family’s hardworking past. And the proud legacy they continue to carry on today.
Order DNA origin analysisWiderschpan: Where does the name Widerschpan come from?
The last name Widerschpan is a relatively uncommon surname, though it is most commonly found in Germany and Austria. According to the Geni World Family Tree, the oldest known record of this surname dates back to 1809 in Austria.
The current population of individuals with the surname Widerschpan is estimated to be around 400 people, with most of them living in Germany and Austria. It is also present in other parts of Europe, including Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Poland, as well as North and South America.
The Widerschpan name is believed to be of Germanic origin and derived from the Middle High German word ‘widerspihen’, which means ‘to take back.’ This name likely originated as an indication that an individual family had long held on to a certain property or land.
The meaning of the surname Widerschpan is most commonly interpreted as being "refreshingly upright" or "reciprocal protection". However, the exact origin and meaning of the surname remain subject to debate.
Today, individuals with the surname Widerschpan are mostly found scattered throughout Europe, though there is evidence of them living in the United States as well. With such a small population of Widerschpan individuals, most of them are likely distantly related.
Variations of the surname Widerschpan
The surname Widerschpan is a variant of the Yiddish and German spellings Widershpon, Widerschpon, Widershpon, Widershpaun, Wideraspon, Viderspon, Widershpan, and Vidershan. All of these spellings and variants stem from the same Yiddish root word, bider (meaning to turn away or deflect). It is a relatively uncommon surname, predominantly used in Eastern Europe and German speaking countries.
The surname is often found in recorded form as Widerschpon (װׯדערשפױן) in Galician and Hungarian records. It is common in some parts of the United States, particularly in New York and Pennsylvania, where it may be found as Widorschpan. Other Americanized spellings include Widorschpan, Widerschpan, Widorschbun, and Widorshpaun.
In Britain, the surname is often found as Widorschpon and Widorshpon. In other countries, such as Romania, it is sometimes found in the spellings Vîdershpon, Vîderspon, and Vîdershpan.
In some cases, the surname Widerschpan may also be found in combination with other surnames, such as: Widorschpan-Salve, Widorschpan-Lustig, Widerschpan-Harris, and Widorschpan-Nauheimer.
In short, all of the aforementioned spellings and variants are likely derived from the same root word, and are all taken to mean the same thing: 'one who turns away or deflects'.
Famous people with the name Widerschpan
- Brady Widerschpan: Canadian professional snowboarder
- Nick Widerschpan: American basketball player
- Keith Widerschpan: Canadian composer and author
- Ed Widerschpan: Retired Canadian MP and dairy farmer
- Elaine Widerschpan: Notable Canadian human rights activist
- Konrad Widerschpan: German-Canadian actor and singer
- Malte Widerschpan: German historian and political advisor
- Brad Widerschpan: Canadian sailplane pilot
- Sonja Widerschpan: German-Canadian sculptor and painter
- Patrick Widerschpan: American producer and actor