Surname Wecht - Meaning and Origin
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Wecht: What does the surname Wecht mean?
The surname Wecht is of Jewish Ashkenazic origin. It doesn't seem to have a specific meaning as it is more likely a toponymic name, derived from a geographical location associated with the person who initially adopted the surname. Often such names were derived from the names of villages, towns, regions, or geographic features. However, specific details about the exact origin or meaning of the surname Wecht are not well-documented. Like many surnames, it has likely evolved over time, potentially adapting different meanings and cultural significance depending on familial and regional contexts. It might also be an occupational surname derived from a particular trade or profession. Therefore, without specific genealogical evidence providing an exact interpretation, the meaning of the name "Wecht" remains unclear.
Order DNA origin analysisWecht: Where does the name Wecht come from?
The last name Wecht is most commonly found in German-speaking countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as the United States. According to Ancestry.com, the highest concentration of Wecht surnames is found in Pennsylvania.
The Wecht surname is believed to be of German origin and likely dates back to the medieval area. It is thought to be derived from the name Wechter, meaning weaver, which was often used as a surname for families in the weaving or textile trade.
In the United States, the first mention of Wecht is from an immigrant who arrived on American soil in 1754. By 1850, there were only 87 Wechts living in the US, but by 2019 the population had grown to 4984. Today, Wecht is among the top 10,000 surnames in the US.
Pennsylvania remains the hub of Wecht activity, with 2989 individuals living there as of 2019. Philadelphia is the city with the most Wechts, followed by Lehigh county, Centre county, Allegheny county, and York county, respectively. The remaining percentage of Wecht living in the US can be found in other states such as Ohio, West Virginia, New York, and Hawaii.
Today the Wecht surname carries on with strong generational ties, particularly in Pennsylvania, where it is still fairly common.
Variations of the surname Wecht
The surname Wecht is derived from German origins. It is an occupational name from Middle High German 'waht' meaning waite, which is a court or castle officer. This surname is also related to the Middle High German name 'wahter' meaning guard.
The most common variants of the Wecht surname include Wacht, Wechter and Weichert. These variants differ in spelling in some instances, as many surnames of German origin tend to evolve over time.
The Wechter surname is derived from 'wachter', meaning watchman, guard, or watchman. This is an occupational name, referring to someone who watches or guards something. This variant of the surname can be found in various places in Europe, mainly Germany and Austria.
The Weichert variant of the surname is derived from the German words 'wacht' or 'wechter', meaning guard or watcher. This surname can be found mainly in the area of Bavaria.
In the United States, it is commonly misspelled as Wegert, Weckert, Weckhert, Weikers, Wigert, Wichert, and Wicht. Most of these variants are derived from the original Middle High German surname of Wecht.
Other related surnames include Wecker, Weckert, Wechner, Wächter and Wächterin. These surnames are primarily associated with Bavaria, Germany.
Famous people with the name Wecht
- Cyril Wecht: is an American forensic pathologist who has performed numerous autopsies of public figures and controversial deaths, including the investigations of the deaths of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr.
- Jon Wecht: is an American comedian and podcast host. He is the co-host of the popular podcast The Dollop with comedian Dave Anthony.
- David Wecht: is an American judge who sits on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
- Mark Wecht: is an American actor, director and screenwriter, best known for his role in the American teen horror-comedy television series My Super Psycho Sweet 16.
- Peter Wecht: is an American filmmaker best known for his feature films Welcome to Happiness and The Infiltrator.
- Bonnie Wecht: is an American film producer, best known for the zombie horror-comedy Tucker & Dale vs. Evil and the supernatural horror film The Possession.
- James Wecht: is an American musician and songwriter, best known for being the frontman of the popular garage and psychedelic rock band Brimstone Blondes.
- Christa Wecht: is an American art curator and gallerist who founded the first independent contemporary art gallery in the Williamsburg neighbourhood of Brooklyn, New York.
- Emilie Wecht: is an American philanthropist and community activist, most notably for her work in providing mental health services for Seattle’s homeless population.
- Cady Wecht: is an American musician and singer, best known for her contributions to the annual benefit album Songs for Slim, with proceeds from album sales going towards raising money to cover the medical expenses of Rolling Stones guitarist, Ron Wood.