Surname Wighard - Meaning and Origin

Wighard: What does the surname Wighard mean?

The last name Wighard is of Germanic origin, and traditionally refers to a watchman or guard. The name could have originated from the Old High German word “wihard,” meaning “guard,” or “wachholder,” meaning “watchman.”

The region of Germany that historically used this surname is now called Bavaria, and was historically made up of several smaller kingdoms known as duchies. These duchess provided protection to the local inhabitants by setting up watchmen who were called upon to protect against thieves and other criminals.

As families settled in the area, Wighard became an established surname. The meaning of the family name evolved over time to represent a protective tendency, to suggest to others that they remain vigilant and conscientious of their surroundings.

Another interpretation of the origin of this surname can be derived from an Old Norse word, “viðar,” meaning “wood/forest” and “hróðr,” meaning “renowned,” suggesting that this particular family may have been well-known watchman within a forest-rich area, or that they may have originated from an area heavily forested.

Thus, historically, the last name Wighard traditionally refers to a watchman or guard and refers to the act of protection. It is traditionally thought of as a family name that encourages a protective nature and a vigilant approach to living.

Wighard: Where does the name Wighard come from?

The last name Wighard is primarily found among some Europeans, most notably in Germany and its surrounding neighbors. The name is believed to have originated from the Old High German word "wigard" which means "guardian". This suggests that the original bearer of this surname was likely a guardian of some kind from a long-forgotten time.

Today, Wighard can be found mostly in Germany, France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. It tends to appear in varying numbers in each one of these countries, but is much less common in other parts of the world. It’s also possible to find this surname in the United States, Canada, and parts of South America, where it’s been spread by German immigrants over the years.

There are not too many individuals with this surname, as it’s still much more commonly seen in the countries of origin. Yet despite its relative scarcity, its presence is still notable, indicating that people are still proud to carry a name of such historical significance.

Variations of the surname Wighard

The surname Wighard has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include:

• Wichard – This is the most common spelling variant of the surname Wighard. It is also the oldest. This can be found in records from as early as the 7th century.

• Wyghard – This is another spelling variation of Wighard. It is most commonly found in Scotland in medieval records.

• Wigard – This is a spelling variation of Wighard commonly found in Germanic countries.

• Wiggers – This is an abbreviation of Wighard that is commonly found in some English regions.

• Wicker – This is another spelling variation of the surname, found mainly in Germany.

• Wickard – This is a phonetic variant of Wighard, and can be found in German and Dutch records.

• Wickert – This is yet another spelling of Wighard, found mainly in names from the Netherlands.

• Wycherley – This variant of Wighard is found mainly in England and Scotland.

• Wickeroth – This is a variant of Wighard found in records from Germany.

• Wigmore – This variant of Wighard is most commonly found in England.

• Wichert – This is a spelling variation of the surname, found mainly in Germany.

The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Wighard offer an interesting insight into its origins and migrations across different countries. It is a testament to the fact that surnames often change and evolve as they move from one country to another, each one holding its own unique cultural and historic significance.

Famous people with the name Wighard

• William Wighard: Actor best known for his role in the TV series “Babylon Berlin”.
• Jane Wighard: English novelist and playwright.
• John Wighard: English artist and animator.
• Charles Wighard: Former English cricketer.
• Peter Wighard: British Olympic swimmer.
• Paul Wighard: American actor and writer.
• Sarah Wighard: British singer, actress, and model.
• Mike Wighard: American actor, comedian, and writer.
• Dave Wighard: Canadian actor and singer.
• Kurt Wighard: German physicist and meteorologist.

Other surnames

Wighardt