Surname Wieghard - Meaning and Origin

Wieghard: What does the surname Wieghard mean?

The surname Wieghard is a German name derived from the Old High German words ‘wieh’ and ‘hard,’ which both means ‘strong’ or ‘hardy.’ It is believed that the first people who carried this name originated in the area of present-day Germany. It is also possible that the name was originally spelled differently, such as with a ‘Wigard’ or a ‘Wighard.’

The surname Wieghard may have been given to those in positions of power or influence, especially those in the military or the church. It’s also possible that people who achieved success in business, and perhaps in other areas, were given this surname as a reward.

In addition to being found in Germany, this surname is also commonly found in Holland and other parts of Europe. In more recent times, however, people with this surname have spread to other parts of the world, including the United States and Canada.

Today, those who are Wieghard are proud of their German heritage and feel a connection to their history. They may appreciate the strength and determination that was required of those who first carried this name and aspire to live up to their legacy.

Wieghard: Where does the name Wieghard come from?

The last name Wieghard is most commonly found in Germany, especially in the northern and eastern parts of the country. There are also a few individuals with the surname Wieghard living in the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Sweden.

The Wieghard surname is derived from the Old German word “wighar”, which means “combatant” or “guard”. This is reflected in the meaning of the name, as it refers to one who “fights or defends”. The surname was likely adopted by individuals living in the medieval period, but its etymology can be traced back to the Germanic language.

The Wieghard surname is not particularly common, as it makes up only 0.002 percent of all surnames in Germany. However, it is not uncommon for individuals in the Wieghard family to be members of the same village or rural community, so it is not necessarily an isolated name.

The Wieghard surname is also found in records dating back to the 1500s, as well as in the surviving landed records of old German provinces. It is also useful to bear in mind that since the last name Wieghard is derived from German, its spelling may have changed in the centuries since its establishment.

Variations of the surname Wieghard

The surname Wieghard is derived from the Old German word "wichard," meaning someone who had power. It is found most commonly in Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe, with variants and spellings such as Wigard, Wighard, Weighard, and Wiehard, as well as other simpler, shorter versions including Wiggar, Wieger, and Wegrt. These all originate from the same root.

Those with the surname can spell it using either the standard spelling, Wieghard, or any of the more creative spellings mentioned above. This is because all the aforementioned spellings are English equivalents of the original German name, Wichard.

The names Wichard and Weghard are also found in England and their duty was to serve as guard to somebody of height. The French equivalent of the name is Vecarde while the Italian version is Weicardo. The Lithuanian form is written as Vigard, and the Dutch, Vigard.

Other variations have historically included Wigar, Wegr, Wiger, Wiggar, and Veger. Each of these names can be found in use and across countries with a variety of different spellings, indicative of the different regions and cultural influences that had an impact on their adaptations over time.

Despite the many variants of Wieghard, its original meaning is still very much alive; the name indicates someone with great power and authority.

Famous people with the name Wieghard

1. David Weigard: actor and producer known for his roles in the films Bright and Big Dreams Little Warriors 2. Lou Weigard: American football player who competed from 1921 to 1924 3. Donald Weigard: Canadian politician and academic, who was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta from 1982 to 1993. 4. Christoph Weigard: Austrian painter and graphic designer 5. Dianne Weigard: American television journalist and news anchor 6. Rica Weigard: German-American film actress best known for her performances in Sternberg’s Thunderbolt and Flesh 7. Jack Weigard: American novelist and short story writer 8. Rose L. Weigard: American social worker and educator 9. Arthur Weigard: Danish architect and engineer 10. Erica Weigard: American television writer and producer best known for her work on the Nickelodeon television series Kenan & Kel

Other surnames

Wieghardt