Surname Wöhner - Meaning and Origin
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Wöhner: What does the surname Wöhner mean?
The last name Wöhner is German in origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "Wehner," meaning "protection" or "resistance." The literal translation of Wöhner is "watchman" or "sentry."
The surname Wöhner originated in the 8th to 10th centuries when large wars and conflicts were common. During these times, people would build guard towers along the roadways and city walls to protect their properties and communities. The Wöhner family could have been one of the first families to build such towers as watchmen or sentries.
The Wöhners may have also come from a long line of guards, soldiers, or even knights that protected their families and villages. It is possible that the Wöhners were well respected in their local communities and held positions of authority or even influence.
The Wöhner surname is still found in Germany today, primarily within the state of Bavaria. In recent years, people with the surname Wöhner have migrated to other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Today, the Wöhner surname continues to exist all around the world, but the name means more than just a family name. Through the generations, the original meaning of the word—protection and resistance—has been preserved, standing as a testament to the courage and tenacity of the Wöhner family.
Order DNA origin analysisWöhner: Where does the name Wöhner come from?
The last name Wöhner is most commonly found in Germany, especially in the eastern and western parts of the country. There is also a significant number of people with the last name Wöhner that can be found in other European countries, including Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
The name Wöhner is likely derived from the old German word 'Wohnen', which means to inhabit. This suggests that the name may have originated from ancestors who settled down and lived in an area, rather than just passing through.
The origins of the name can also be traced back to Bavaria, where a family known as "von Wöhn" made their home in the 1400s. The population of the family in Bavaria increased over the centuries, eventually spreading to other areas of Germany.
Within Germany, Wöhners can be found in every region, with the highest concentration in the states of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Saxony. Among these regions, the most Wöhners can be found in the city of Munich, as well as in less populated rural areas of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Outside of Germany, Wöhner has been adopted by emigrants to the United States, Canada, and South Africa. It is also possible to find the name Wöhner in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil.
Overall, the last name Wöhner has a long and interesting history and is most common in Germany today.
Variations of the surname Wöhner
The surname Wöhner (sometimes spelled Woener, Wohner or Woher) is of German origin and means "dweller or inhabitant". It is a topographic surname, which originally described someone who lived in an area with a wooden fence or wall.
The spelling and variants of the surname Wöhner can be categorized into three distinct groupings: those derived from the German spelling, those that are Anglicized, and another distinct set of Wöhner variations.
The German spelling of the surname Wöhner is comprised of many variants including Woener, Wohner, Woher, Woernh, Woenerh, Woenern, Wohne, Woenne, Woehner, Woehinger, Wohener and Wohenig. Some of the Anglicized forms of the surname are Wunnr, Woneer, Wehner, and Woenner.
A third variant, which is distinct to South German, is composed of Fox, Foex and Füx. These versions of the surname began as a phonetic interpretation of the original German spelling Wöhner.
In conclusion, the surname Wöhner has a variety of spellings and surnames of the same origin which reflect its German heritage. Variations of the name include Woener, Wohner, Woher, Fox, Foex and Füx, as well as Anglicized forms such as Wunnr, Woneer, Wehner and Woenner.
Famous people with the name Wöhner
- Lea Wöhner: German actress known for her roles in films such as The Red Cockatoo (2019), Room 205 (2016), and Angel Express (2010).
- Robert Wöhner: Austrian music conductor and composer known for his work with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and the Berliner Philharmoniker.
- Almuth Wöhner: German researcher and engineer with expertise in modulation and coding in communication networks.
- Federico Wöhner: Uruguayan football defender who plays for Club Nacional de Football.
- Amelie Wöhner: German actress who starred in films such as Revanche (2008) and Who Am I (2014).
- Jimmy Wöhner: German DJ and producer known for his electro house style and various collaborations.
- Ludwig Wöhner: Austrian musician and composer who wrote works such as Sonata in A Major (1923) and Fantasia (1927).
- Claude Wöhner: German sculptor and painter known for his baroque-style works and public art pieces.
- Erich Wöhner: German scientist who invented the first shock wave focusing apparatus in 1958.
- Arno Wöhner: Austrian sky diver who became the youngest person in the world to jump from an altitude of 25,000 feet.