Surname Woernhoer - Meaning and Origin
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Woernhoer: What does the surname Woernhoer mean?
Woernhoer is a German surname, which is a combination of two distinct elements. The first is the noun “Wör” or “Wer,” which refers to a weir or fish-trap, most likely constructed to catch fish in a stream, river, or lake. The second element is “hoer,” which is an Old High German word meaning “settler.” Essentially, Woernhoer means “one who settled near a weir.”
The surname Woernhoer includes variants such as Wernohler and Wurnohler, which both mean the same thing. Interestingly, there’s evidence that some branches of the name have evolved over the centuries, taking on names such as Warnecker and Waringshauer.
The name Woernhoer is most common in the areas of central and southern Germany where fish traps were a necessity for fishing. This suggests an origin among the Germanic tribes who initially occupied the area. The earliest written documentation of this surname dates back to the 13th century in the area of Wertheim, near the Rhine River.
Woernhoer is an enduring German surname that represents the strong bond between humans and the land they inhabit. It's a reminder that, since time immemorial, people have always utilized the resources of their environment to live and prosper, weaving their identity into the local landscape.
Order DNA origin analysisWoernhoer: Where does the name Woernhoer come from?
The last name Woernhoer is primarily found in the United States and Germany, although there are some other countries, such as Switzerland, where the name is also found. Because the United States is the country most commonly associated with the Woernhoer name, this article will focus on that nation.
In the United States, the surname is concentrated in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Historical records show that the Woernhoer family has been living in the United States since the 18th century, particularly near the area of present-day Hamburg, Pennsylvania. The name is currently most common in the midwest, especially in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
When looking at the US census records for the Woernhoer surname, it is found that it has seen a decline in usage since 2000. The most recent US census recorded almost 900 individuals with that surname, most of them living in the midwest and 11 individuals living in Hawaii. It is likely that this decline in name usage is due to immigration from other countries as more Americans choose to adopt names from elsewhere.
It is clear that the last name Woernhoer is primarily seen in the United States today. The name is most commonly found in the midwest and a smaller presence is found in Hawaii. However, the name has been significantly declining in popularity over the last few decades most likely due to immigration.
Variations of the surname Woernhoer
Woernhoer is a German surname derived from the words "Wörn" (meaning "white" or "bright"), and “Höre,” which is an old German word for "hear" or "listen". This family surname is believed to have been given to individuals who were known for their wisdom and keen listening skills.
The most common spelling for Woernhoer is Warnehauer, with possible other variants including Warneharr,Warnehor, Wörner, and Warnhöer.
The surname can also appear in other forms or countries like Wornhauer and Warnehar in Germany, Wohrnhauer in Austria, Warnehår in Sweden, Varnhöjr in Denmark, and Värnhöer in Finland.
In the English-speaking world, the surname may also have been changed to Warner, Warn, Warnes, and Warnerhauer.
Less common variants of the surname Woernhoer include Woerner, Woernner, Wehrenhauer, Woernerhauer, Wöhner, Woehner, Wohner, Wohnerhauer, and Wohrner.
Woernhoer is also a distinct family name under Patronymics, derived from the father's first name, Wörn, so generations of Woernhoers will have the same last name even if it is spelled differently. Examples of such variant spellings in the Patronymic system could include Wörnhoffer, Wörnhöfer, Wöhrnhoffer, or Wohrnhoffer.
Overall, Woernhoer is a unique sounding name of German origin that has been passed down the generations throughout the world and is now spelt differently depending on the country and which generation it was passed down to.
Famous people with the name Woernhoer
- Michael Woernerhoer, German professional football player
- Betina Woernerhoer, German professional volleyball player
- Andreas Woernerhoer, German professional tennis player
- Ioannis Woernerhoer, Greek professional basketball player
- Jakob Woernerhoer, American professional hockey player
- Carl Woernerhoer, Swiss professional golfer
- Johan Woernerhoer, Dutch professional Paralympic swimmer
- Helmut Woernerhoer, German professional skier
- Peter Woernerhoer, American Hall of Fame American Football Coach
- Nikolaus Woernerhoer, Austrian former professional speed skater
- Eric Woernerhoer, Austrian former professional gymnast
- Jens Woernerhoer, English professional chess player
- Gustave Woernerhoer, Belgian former professional track and field athlete
- Robert Woernerhoer, Canadian professional skater
- Alfred Woernerhoer, Albanian professional volleyball player