Surname Wehrli - Meaning and Origin
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My Ancestral Odyssey: Discovering the Wehrli Roots Through iGENEA DNA Test
Ever wonder where you truly come from? By exploring my Wehrli ancestors via an iGENEA DNA test, I uncovered unexpected ancestral locations and unusual genetic markers, broadening my understanding of my identity, and connecting me to the broader story of human evolution.
A. Wehrli
read moreWehrli: What does the surname Wehrli mean?
The last name Wehrli is of Swiss-German origin and is derived from the German word “wehr”, meaning “fortification” or “protection”. In the Middle Ages, Wehrli indicated a person from a fortified place, a residence either built as a fortification or naturally protected, typically on higher ground or a hillock, also referred to as a “burg”.
The Wehrli family was likely one of the first Swiss-German families to migrate elsewhere, and today the name is found mainly in Europe and North America. The Wehrlis of North America are predominantly of Swiss-German and German ancestry, with a significant minority of Austrian and French ancestry.
Many Wehrlis served in the military and upheld their legacy of strength and courage. They have held positions of respect in their communities, as founders, leaders, inventors, entrepreneurs, and public servants. In the 19th century, many members of the Wehrli family became industrious pioneers, settling in the prairies, rocky mountains, and coastal regions of North America. Their hard work and perseverance aided in the development of the United States and Canada.
In modern times, the last name Wehrli is associated with individuals who are strong, brave, and reliable. A Wehrli is typically a person of higher education, with a keen eye for detail and a kind heart. Their ancestors, the defenders of fortified places, are a reminder of the importance of honest service and honourable battle.
Order DNA origin analysisWehrli: Where does the name Wehrli come from?
The last name Wehrli is common today in several countries around the world. The most significant concentration of people with this name is found in Switzerland, where it is ranked the 67th most common last name. It is also found in relatively high numbers in Germany, where it is ranked somewhere between the 300th and 400th most common last name.
Wehrli is also found in countries such as Austria, Sweden, and the United States. In the United States, it is most commonly found in states such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, and New York. It can also be found in other places such as Canada, France, and Australia, although people with this surname are much less common in these places.
Given its Swiss roots, it is likely that Wehrli originates from a Germanic language such as Old High German. People with this surname may be descended from the same ancestor, as the surname has remained fairly uncommon overall. This could indicate that it is a relatively recent family name, perhaps originating within the last few centuries.
Variations of the surname Wehrli
The surname Wehrli is an occupational surname of Swiss German origin derived from the Old High German word “wehra” which means “guard”. The variants for Wehrli include Wehrly, Werley, Weirly, Werlie, Werly, Wearley, Werli, and Wuerli.
The surname Wehrli is also commonly found in its plural form, Wehrlis, as well as being occasionally misspelled as Werlih, Wuerle, Werle, or Werli.
Other surnames of the same origin include Wehren, Wehrmann, Werer, Waha, Waller, Waeller, Wappler, Warrill, Warrillow, and Weller. These surnames all have a similar origin as Wehrli with many being derived from the same root verb, the German word ‘wehra,’ which means “guard.”
In addition to the original spelling, many members of the Wehrli family may have chosen to alter their surname’s spelling in order to recognize their Swiss German heritage. Such spellings variations could include Werllin, Werelin, Werren, Werile, Werlman, Werlmann, Wahl, Wehral, and Wehrling.
In conclusion, the surname Wehrli and its many variants have been adapted accordingly over time, particularly by those in the Swiss-German speaking countries, in order to recognize its historic and linguistic origins. As a result, this surname is found in various forms today, including Wehrli, Wehrlis, Wehren, Wehrmann, and many more.
Famous people with the name Wehrli
- Scott Wehrli: an American politician who is serving as a member of the Illinois Senate.
- Joe Wehrli: a professional American football offensive tackle who played two seasons in the National Football League (NFL).
- Jason Wehrli: an American entrepreneur, author, and public speaker.
- Michael Wehrli: an American Republican politician who serves as the Kane County Recorder of Deeds.
- Steve Wehrli: a retired professional American football tight end who played three seasons in the NFL.
- Eric Wehrli: a film director, writer, and producer, best known for his works in the popular television series “Hogan’s Heroes.”
- Andrew Wehrli: a former American professional ice hockey player.
- Joe Wehrli: a former American football running back who played one season in the National Football Conference (NFC).
- Don Wehrli: a retired professional baseball player who played four seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB).
- Gunter Wehrli: a Swiss engineer, best known for his research on thermodynamics and electrolytic cells.