Surname Wiewel - Meaning and Origin

Wiewel: What does the surname Wiewel mean?

The last name Wiewel is of German and Dutch origin, and is derived from a Middle High German word meaning "ferryman". It specifically referred to the profession of taking passengers and goods across a river or body of water in a boat or other vessel. Over time, the surname was adapted to the spelling Wiewel, and it can now be found in Germany, the Netherlands, and other countries with German or Dutch ancestry.

The surname has been in use in many forms since at least the Middle Ages. Records of the name go back to the 16th century, and there is evidence of the name in Germany and Dutch countries from that time. In the Netherlands, the name is sometimes spelled Wievel.

The surname Wiewel is still used in Germany today, especially in the northern regions of the country. Wiewel is a common name in the Netherlands, especially in the southern part of the country, where many of the original Wiewel families lived.

The presence of the surname in multiple countries suggests that the families who bear it come from a long line of people who traveled in search of better lives and opportunities. Though the people bearing the name Wiewel have moved to different regions, they still share a common heritage that is deeply rooted in the profession of ferrying goods and people across rivers.

Wiewel: Where does the name Wiewel come from?

The last name Wiewel is most common today in Germany, particularly in the northern part of the country. The name is derived from the German word wie, meaning "like" or "such", and Australia, which is German for "eagle".

In Germany, the name first appeared in the 13th century in the area around the Baltic Sea. Until the 19th century, it was confined primarily to those regions of Germany. However, in the 19th century, the surname spread beyond these regions as people migrated to different regions of the world, including North and South America, and Australia.

In the United States, more people with the surname Wiewel live in the midwestern states of Minnesota, Iowa, and North and South Dakota, as well as Wisconsin and Michigan. There is also a smaller population of Wiewels in a few East Coast states, including in the Upper Midwest states of Wisconsin and Michigan, in addition to New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

The surname Wiewel is also relatively common in Canada in both English and French speaking areas.

On a global scale, Germany still holds the highest population of people with the surname Wiewel. It's interesting to note that, despite the spread of the Wiewel surname on an international level, it remains most common in its original homeland of Germany even today.

Variations of the surname Wiewel

The Wiewel surname is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word “wibele,” meaning “tapestry maker.” Over time, this surname has been varied in spelling in records and documents due to transcription errors and the vagaries of language and dialect, so there are many variants.

The spelling variants of this surname include Wible, Wieble, Wiebel, Wibel, Wivol, Wivoll, and Wievel. Wibel, Wivol, Wivoll, and Wievel are more predominantly found in North America, while Wible, Wiebel, and Wieble are the most common spellings in Europe.

Variations of the surname include Wiebel (German), Wyvel (English), Wiebels (Dutch), Wieboll (Swiss), Wiewels (Low German), Wubel (Low German), and Wibel (Yiddish).

Surnames are often formed by adding other common words of the same language to the primary surname. Thus, it is not uncommon to find surnames formed as patronyms, resulting in additional surnames also related to the Wiewel surname. Such surnames include Wieweling, Wieweler, Wiewilers, Wiewelt, Wiewelts, Wivlens, Wivable, Wueblen, Wuebelman, and Wuebelmann.

As each of these surnames are derived from the same source, they are likely to refer to the same individual or family ancestor, even if the variations of spelling and surname formation may imply otherwise.

Famous people with the name Wiewel

• Robert Wiewel: Robert Wiewel is an American philanthropist and entrepreneur, known for founding the Computers for Schools Program in 1990. He was also one of the first recipients of the National Medal of Technology from the White House in 1993. After his death in 2004, his wife and fellow philanthropist, Gayle Wiewel, took over the charitable work in his name.
• D. E. Wiewel: D. E. Wiewel was an American sculptor and observer of nature, known for her works of wildlife and national parks during the mid-1900s. Her sculptures were seen in the Smithsonian American Art Museum and other galleries across the United States.
• Devon Wiewel: Devon Wiewel is an American model and actress who first gained celebrity status through her starring role in The CW series The Vampire Diaries. She has also had guest appearances in films such as Urban Legends: Bloody Mary and NCIS: Los Angeles.
• Jordan Wiewel: Jordan Wiewel was an American basketball player who was known for his exceptional dunking and rebounding skills throughout his college and professional career.
• Brandon Wiewel: Brandon Wiewel is a landscape photographer from California, specializing in nature and wildlife photography. He has been featured in numerous magazines, including National Geographic and USA Today, and his work has been exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution.
• Heather Wiewel: Heather Wiewel is a Libertarian politician and businesswoman from Arizona. In 2014, she ran for a seat in the Arizona State Senate and was the first time Libertarian has ever held a statewide office in Arizona.
• Mahlon Wiewel: Mahlon Wiewel is a woodworker and woodcarver from Pennsylvania, specializing in traditional and modern American wood design. He won the notable award for Best in Show Décor from the Designer Craftsmen of America in 2012.

Other surnames

WiewelhofeWiewelhove