Surname Wöhrn - Meaning and Origin

Wöhrn: What does the surname Wöhrn mean?

The last name Wöhrn is a German surname which originates from the Middle High German word 'wurren', meaning “to spin”. The name was likely given to those who were involved in the trade of spinning wool, or were skilled in the craft itself. Spinning was an important craft during the medieval era, as it was used to create wool clothing and other materials.

The use of the surname has evolved over time and can mean different things in different places. It is sometimes linked to the culinary industry, and those with the last name Wöhrn may have come from families employed in the preparation of baked goods, a practice which was also common during the Middle Ages.

Given its geographical origins, it is likely that individuals with the last name Wöhrn trace their ancestry back to Germany and other parts of Central and Northern Europe, although the surname can now be found all over the world.

The name is a testament to the rich and varied history of Germany and the names of individuals who made a valuable contribution to the country through their trade or craft. It is still held in high regard today, representing a reminder of the skills, traditions, and heritage of the past.

Wöhrn: Where does the name Wöhrn come from?

The last name Wöhrn is primarily associated today with the country of Germany. According to the website Forebears.io, the last name Wöhrn is most common in the state of Bavaria, the largest of the states in the country, located in the south of Germany.

As of 2019, Forebears.io estimates that there are approximately 3,037 people in Germany with the last name Wöhrn. However, this is only 0.007% of the total population of the country, suggesting it is a relatively unusual surname.

In recent years, Wöhrn has become increasingly common among German-speaking emigrants, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Similarly, the United Kingdom and Austria also have surprisingly large numbers of people with the last name Wöhrn.

The origin of the Wöhrn surname is uncertain. However, according to the website Wikitree, the name may have originated as a nickname for someone who was from the German city of Würzburg, or who was from a settlement with the same name. It is also possible that the surname was derived from the Middle High German word ‘wür-,’ meaning ‘strong’ or ‘well born.’

In the end, the last name Wöhrn is most associated today with the country of Germany; however, due to emigration over the years, it is also becoming increasingly common in other parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Wöhrn

The surname Wöhrn is a Germanic surname that originated from different places in Europe, especially in Germany. The variants of this name include Wohrn, Wöhrle, Wohrlein, Wöhrlin, Wörlin, Woerlin, Wörlein and Worlein. The different spellings mainly originated due to the obsolete methods of recording family names that were prevalent in Europe until the late 19th century.

The German version of this surname, Wöhrn, is derived from the Old German language and can mean ‘a guard’, ‘from the guardroom’ or ‘protector’. It is believed to be related to the German word ‘Wache’, which translates to ‘guard’. Furthermore, the German version of the surname is often spelled ‘Woehrn’.

The surname Wöhrn is also sometimes found in other countries in Europe like Austria and Switzerland, where it is usually spelled ‘Woerlin’ or ‘Wörlin’. In some countries, such as Norway, it can be found spelled as ‘Worgen’ or ‘Wørgan’. In Austria, the name is also sometimes found spelled as ‘Werrle’.

In terms of surnames that have a similar meaning and origin as Wöhrn, there are two possible options: Wehrle and Werrle. Wehrle is derived directly from the German word ‘Wehr’, which means ‘protection’ and ‘fortification’. Werrle is derived from the German word ‘Wer’, which means ‘protector’ and ‘guard’.

In short, the surname Wöhrn can be found in many forms and spellings across Europe, with variants including Wohrn, Wöhrle, Wohrlein, Wöhrlin, Wörlin, Woerlin, Wörlein and Worlein. The Germanic origin of the name suggests that it is derived from the words ‘Wache’ and ‘Wehr’, while similar surnames that have a similar meaning include Wehrle and Werrle.

Famous people with the name Wöhrn

• Alexander Wöhrn, German composer and singer-songwriter
• Anton Wöhrn, German Baltic German farmer and politician
• Edward Wöhrn, Swedish-born American lyrical landscape painter
• Johann Wöhrn, German World War I flying ace
• Gerhard Wöhrn, German officer in the Wehrmacht during World War II
• Marcelo H. Wöhrn, Chilean politician
• Margarete Wöhrn, German politician and member of the Christian Democratic Union
• Walter Wöhrn, German actor and film director
• Johann competes Wöhrn, German gymnast
• Helmut Wöhrn, German operatic tenor
• Gerhard Wöhrn, German diplomat who during World War I served as Germany's Ambassador to the United States
• Malcolm Wöhrn, Swedish radio astronomer
• Ursula Wöhrn, German operatic soprano

Other surnames

Wöhrner