Surname Wiedemeier - Meaning and Origin

Wiedemeier: What does the surname Wiedemeier mean?

The surname WIEDEMEIER is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word 'wiedemeier', which translates literally as 'meadow cutter'. This most likely refers to someone who was involved in cutting and harvesting meadows.

Historically, place names often served as the basis for surnames, which were derived from the locations where the original bearer of the name lived or held land. This is supported by records of the name WIEDEMEIER dating back to the late 14th century, including a reference to a certain 'Hans Wiedemeier' living in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany, in 1290, and a reference to 'Bertholdus dictus Widemeier' recorded in Munich, in 1346.

In more recent times, the surname WIEDEMEIER is still primarily found in Germany and Austria, and is currently most widespread in Southern Germany. It is also found in other parts of Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.

The surname WIEDEMEIER conveys an air of antiquity and a simple, rural lifestyle. Those with the name are associated with a long heritage of hairdressers, farmers, and rural tradesman, and its bearers display a strong sense of loyalty and tradition. As such, the surname WIEDEMEIER is an instantly recognizable German name and is sure to be recognized in any culture.

Wiedemeier: Where does the name Wiedemeier come from?

The last name Wiedemeier is found primarily in the countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is a rare German name, often associated with people of noble backgrounds. According to one source, there are roughly 1,400 people in Germany with this surname, making it a rare but not completely uncommon last name. It is more commonly found in the southwestern and north central regions of Germany.

There are also several hundred individuals with this surname living in Austria and Switzerland, mostly concentrated in the northern and southeastern parts of those countries. Additionally, a small number of individuals with the Wiedemeier last name can be found elsewhere in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and in France.

In other parts of the world, the Wiedemeier last name is far less common. In the United States, for instance, there are only around one hundred individuals with this last name, mostly concentrated in Texas, California, Illinois, and New York. In Canada, there are even fewer individuals with this last name—only forty-five individuals in total according to one source.

Overall, while the last name Wiedemeier is rare, it is still found in various parts of Europe, with the greatest concentration being in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Additionally, there are a small number of individuals with this name living in other parts of the world, including the United States and Canada.

Variations of the surname Wiedemeier

The surname WIEDEMEIER is thought to have originated from Germany and has a few variants, spellings and surnames stemming from similar origins.

Variants:

Widehamer, Widehomer, Widemeier, Wiedemeir, Wiedemeyer, Wiedmeir, Wiedmeyer, Wiedmyer

Spellings:

Weidemeier, Weidmeier, Weydemier, Wiadmeier, Widemeyer, Wiedamer, Wiedemair, Wiedmair

Surnames:

Wediemer, Widhamer, Widhomer, Witdmeer, Widmeer, Wietmeier, Wiedummere

The original meaning of this surname is thought to be “wide home”, derived from two words: ‘wide’ and ‘home’ meaning ‘wide house’ or 'large house', and is thought to refer to a family living in a large home or estate. The name was initially derived through German language, however it has also been influenced by a number of other languages over the years.

As a result of the multitude of spellings and variations of the name, there may be more variants and surnames stemming from the origin of Wiedemeier that have surfaced throughout the years. It is important to note that surnames can evolve over time, with some surnames being adopted from other languages and cultures, and it is likely that there are more variants and surnames that will surface in subsequent years.

Famous people with the name Wiedemeier

• Friedrich Wiedemeier (1860-1923), German ornithologist and naturalist.
• Anna Wiedemeier (born 1911), Swiss pioneer in women's ice hockey.
• Kurt Wiedemeier (1912-1991), German professor of philosophy.
• Heinz Wiedemeier (1922-2019), Swiss Olympic sabre fencer.
• Art Wiedemeier (1925-2008), American Major League Baseball pitcher.
• Jürgen Wiedemeier (1934-2014), German theologian and Lutheran pastor.
• Elke Wiedemeier (born 1952), German politician.
• Uli Wiedemeier (born 1961), Swiss ice hockey defender.
• Jörg Wiedemeier (born 1971), Swiss cross-country skier.
• Boris Wiedemeier (born 1972), Swiss professional ice hockey player.

Other surnames

WiedemerWiedemeyer