Surname Wieland - Meaning and Origin

Decoding the Tapestry of My Heritage: Discovering the Origins and History of the Surname Wieland Through iGENEA DNA Test

The iGENEA DNA test has granted me a profound insight into the heritage of my surname, Wieland. Tracing back to the heart of Europe, the name carries echoes of Germanic folklore and reveals fascinating migratory patterns of my ancestors. The personal stories distilled in my genes offer a journey through cultural, geographic, and historical landscapes.

L. Wieland

Wieland: What does the surname Wieland mean?

The last name Wieland is an old German name derived from the two words wis or “wide” and land, suggesting the occupation of a landowner or farmer. In the middle ages, the name was adopted by families from lower nobility and those involved in large-scale agriculture.

In more recent times, the name has come to symbolize strength and perseverance, traits that have been found throughout the generations of those who have carried the name. The name was also especially popular during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, when Martin Wieland was one of the main reformers.

As an occupational surname, Wieland indicates the original family members were involved in farming or owned land, but today the name is more often associated with a sense of confidence and loyalty. Many famous people with the last name Wieland have made significant contributions to society, including writers, filmmakers, composers, and philosophers.

Wieland is also the last name of several important figures in German history, including siblings Otto and Sophie Wieland, two active members of the resistance movement during World War II.

Though relatively uncommon in many places today, the name Wieland still has a special meaning to many people all over the world, and continues to be a reminder of the strength, determination, and loyalty of those who carry it.

Wieland: Where does the name Wieland come from?

The last name Wieland is most common in Germany today, although it is also found in other parts of the world. In Germany, it ranks 54th among the country’s most common surnames. It is derived from an Old High German given name, Wielant, which referred to “the will of a ruler.”

The surname Wieland is also found in England, Australia, Canada, and the United States. In England, the surname was first brought by German immigrants in the mid-18th century, and it is still quite common in areas where German immigrants first settled.

Australia has had a long history of German migration, and there are many Wielands living there today. This surname is common in the states of New South Wales and Victoria, where German migration has been higher. In Canada, Wieland is mainly found in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.

In the US, Wieland is a relatively common surname. According to the 2000 US Census, it was the 560th most common name among Americans. It’s most common in the states of Pennsylvania, New York, Texas, Ohio, Illinois, and California.

Regardless of where it is found today, the surname Wieland is generally associated with German immigrant families who first came to their chosen homeland in search of a better life.

Variations of the surname Wieland

The surname Wieland is an old German name which is believed to be derived from the Old High German name ‘wîlant’ meaning ‘autonomous’. The surname was originally found in Bavaria, Saxony, and Silesia. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the name Wieland include Wiland, Wayland, Welland, Wilant, Wellant, Wyland, Willand, Weiland, Wylland, Wyland, Obel lakhs, and many more.

Originally, the surname Wieland was found in regions of Bavaria, Saxony, and Silesia and was derived from the Old High German name wîlant meaning ‘autonomous’. Later, the name started to be used in other German speaking regions. Variants of this surname in Germany include: Wivaland, Wyvaland, Wywaland, Wywelant, Weiwaland, Weyland, Wevaland, Weyweland and Weywuland.

The surname Wieland surfaced in other countries as well. In Ireland, the surname is found in different spellings such as: Wyeland, Wieland, O’Wyelands, Wolands, Wellands, and Wollens. The surname was also adopted by German speaking immigrants into the United States who spelled the name as: Wayland, Wieland, Weyland, Wyland or Wiland.

In Austria, the surname is spelled as: Wejland, Weiland, Wyland, Wijland, and Wywelant. In Sweden, the name is found spelled as: Weiland, Woyland, Welander, Waylander, Waellander and Waelander. Dutch speaking countries found the surname under various spellings such as: Weijland, Weiland, Willand, Wyland and Wanwei.

Families with the surname Wieland may also be known by the surnames Vieland, Wiedlandt, Wieldend and Wigland.

Famous people with the name Wieland

• Jenna Wieland: American actress and model.
• Bryan Wieland: award-winning American composer and sound artist.
• Carl Wieland: Australian creationist and President of Creation Ministries International.
• Eric Wieland Seckinger: American CEO, investor, and technology advisor.
• Paul Wieland: American former state representative and State Senator from Missouri.
• Aaron Wieland: American actor, comedian, and voice artist.
• Jayme Wieland: American country music singer-songwriter.
• Terry Wieland: Canadian author, editor, and outdoor journalist.
• Vin Wieland: American cinematographer with credits on various feature film, music video, and television projects.
• Steve Wieland: American painter and sculptor.
• Paul Wieland Moeller: German economist and professor at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.
• Scott Wieland: American rock musician, songwriter, and producer, best known as the bassist, lead vocalist, and primary songwriter for the band Stone Temple Pilots.

Other surnames

WielanderWielandtWielant