Surname Wiegent - Meaning and Origin
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Wiegent: What does the surname Wiegent mean?
The last name Wiegent is of German origin. It is primarily associated with several Germanic regions that are now part of modern Germany, as well as parts of the Netherlands and Poland. The surname is thought to have derived from the German word "wiegen", meaning "to weigh". Alternatively, it could have been derived from the nickname "Wig" which was given to individuals of strong, powerful character.
The surname Wiegent first appeared in records in the 16th century in several Hanseatic cities such as Hamburg and Bremen. It was derived from the name of the tribal leader Wiggo who belonged to the Visigothic people. By the 17th century, the surname had spread throughout Germany, the Netherlands and Poland.
The coat of arms associated with the Wiegent surname depicts a black shield with a straight line dividing the shield into two sections. On either side of the line are four vertical bands of alternating colors, each with an animal side. The crest is a black raven, which symbolizes the spirit of vigilance and protection.
Today, the Wiegent name is most commonly found in Germany, as well as parts of the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland and Poland. It continues to be an important part of the local culture and remains a popular last name in these regions.
Order DNA origin analysisWiegent: Where does the name Wiegent come from?
The last name Wiegent is believed to have originated in Germany, where it is most commonly found today. It is also found in increased concentrations in countries where German immigrants have settled in large numbers, such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico.
In Germany, Wiegent is a fairly common last name, and the frequency may vary based on a particular region. Records indicate that it is more popular around the region of North Rhine-Westphalia as well as larger cities like Berlin and Hamburg.
In the U.S., people with the last name Wiegent can be found in almost every state, although they exist in much lower numbers than in Germany. According to the 2010 US Census, the highest concentrations of Wiegent are in Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Given the prevalence of the last name in both Germany and the U.S., it is safe to say that the last name Wiegent is common today.
Variations of the surname Wiegent
The surname Wiegent has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants are Wiegent, Wigant, Wiegandt, Wiegant, Weegant, and Wiegynt. These variants have essentially the same meaning, derived from the Middle High German word, wigant, which is roughly translated as guardian or protector. This suggests that these surname variations refer to a person who once held a position of authority or power.
The German spelling Wiegand is frequently found, as is the Dutch spelling Wiegandt. The Swedish spelling Wiegynt is also seen. In some instances, the spelling has been adapted to the geographic region the family settled in. For instance, the spelling Weigant is commonly found among Colonial American families. In Scotland, the spelling Wiggan is sometimes seen.
The surnames Wienant, Weigant, Wyggan, Wegant, Weggan, and Dewegan are all believed to have derived from the same origin as the surname Wiegent. Each name has the same underlying meaning of guardian or protector, this time originating from the Old English word wegend.
There are a variety of other surnames related to the Wiegent surname, including the Irish surnames O'Weigand, O'Wegant, and O'Weigant. Other variants of the surname Weagant, often found among those of French ancestry, are Wiggen and Weaks.
In summary, the surname Wiegent has many variations due to its usage in different languages and geographic regions. As such, it is not uncommon to find many variants of the same surname among families with this particular heritage.
Famous people with the name Wiegent
- Michelle Wiegent: A professional golfer who has played on the LPGA Tour and the PGA Tour. She has won five major championships and has been a member of the US National Team for various tournaments.
- Markus Wiegent: A former German footballer who played for the national team in the 1990's. He was known for his hard tackles and strong offensive play.
- Ellen Wiegent: A German singer, actress and model. She is best known for her cover versions of classic 1970's and 1980's songs.
- Philipp Wiegent: A German professional ice hockey player who has played for the Hannover Scorpions and other teams.
- Liana Wiegent: A fashion designer and entrepreneur from Munich, Germany. Her work has been featured in numerous international fashion magazines.
- Claudia Wiegent: A German actor, best known for her roles in films such as “The Reader” and “Das Boot.”
- Leslie Wiegent: An American painter and sculptor whose work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the United States.
- Jan Wiegent: A Dutch football manager who has coached teams in the Dutch Eerste Divisie and the Belgian Pro League.
- Carla Wiegent: A Swiss film actress, best known for her roles in “The Human Clock” and “Trouble”.
- Jürgen Wiegent: A German entrepreneur and former football club owner. He is the founder of the Wiegent group, a conglomerate of automotive, real estate, and services companies.