Surname Weicherding - Meaning and Origin
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Weicherding: What does the surname Weicherding mean?
The last name Weicherding, pronounced why-SHER-ding, is derived from the German word “weichen,” which means “to bend or yield.” It is an occupational surname, indicating that the earliest Weicherdings were persons who were involved in the herding of livestock. The occupation of herding sheep was particularly popular in South Germany prior to the 19th century, and would have been a necessary means of agricultural subsistence for associated families.
The surname has additional origins, however. Variations include Weiches, Weishard, Weichers, Weiskard, and Wykerding, suggesting that it might also be derived from a shortened form of an old German personal name. Angus Mackay, author of the book Scotland: A Modern Social History, suggests this possibility.
Today, Weicherding is a common surname throughout German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It is also found in some areas of Scotland, which was heavily settled by German-speaking people during the 18th century. The surname is still widely held in some other countries with German ancestry, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Weicherding is a name which reflects the past, with an origin steeped in farming and herding, indicating an occupation that was once extremely important in Germanic society. As a surname which has spread around the world, it stands as a testament to the skill and determination of those who adopted it.
Order DNA origin analysisWeicherding: Where does the name Weicherding come from?
The last name Weicherding is most commonly found today in Germany and Austria. The surname is derived from the German words "Weicher," meaning "soft," and "ding," referencing a homestead or settlement. The name is likely of either Frankish origin, indicating its holder was a tenant, or Bavarian origin, indicating its holder worked as a scribe.
The name is not particularly common, but is not rare either. In modern Germany and Austria, an estimated 1,000-2,000 individuals carry the Weicherding name. The highest concentrations of the name occur in the German provinces of Schleswig-Holstein and Nordrhein-Westfalen. The name is rarer in central and eastern Germany.
Outside of Germany and Austria, most individuals bearing the last name Weicherding are likely descended from German immigrants who settled abroad in the 19th and 20th centuries. In North America, Weicherding is most common in the United States and Canada. It can also be found in Argentina, France, and the Netherlands, which all housed communities of German immigrants.
Overall, the last name Weicherding is an uncommon one, but its presence can be detected in Germany, Austria, North America, and other countries around the world. It traces its roots back to either Frankish or Bavarian etymology, indicating its earliest holder either held land or worked as a scribe.
Variations of the surname Weicherding
Weicherding is an uncommon surname which has German roots. It is derived from the German name Weichert which is composed of two elements: the German word “weich” which means mild and “hert” which means brave, hardy. It has many variant forms such as Weichert, Weickerd, Weigert, Weicher, Weikerdt, Weicherdt, Weicherd, Weigardt, Weigard, Weiker, Weickert, Weicherd and Weichert. The spelling can also be slightly altered, with some opting for “Weicherdting” or “Weichardd”.
Weickerd is an alternate surname of Weicherding which is derived from the Dutch place-name Weicker. It is also a toponymic name for someone from Germany. The spelling Weigert is also used and is originally derived from the German word “weig” which translates to white. Likewise, Weigardt and Weigard are variants of the name which are rooted in the German word “weigard” meaning “protection”.
Weicherding has many other surnames which share the same roots such as Weinkardt, Weikert, Weickert, Weickerdt, Weickerd, Weicherdt, Weichert and Weicherd. These surnames have different origins and can be found in various regions of Germany. The surname Weicherding is also found in other countries such as Switzerland, Austria, The United States, and Canada.
Overall, Weicherding is a Germanic surname which is derived from the elements of “weich” meaning gentle and “hert” meaning brave, hardy. It has several variant forms and spellings which can be found throughout Germany and other countries.
Famous people with the name Weicherding
- Shawn Weicherding, an American musician and producer
- Stephen Weicherding, an American artist and businessman
- Jeffrey Weicherding, an American actor
- Jonathan Weicherding, an American fashion designer specializing in men's wear
- Mark Weicherding, an American painter, sculptor and designer
- Alex Weicherding, an American actor
- Taylor Weicherding, an American entrepreneur
- John Weicherding, an American lawyer, businessman and politician
- Kenneth Weicherding, an American attorney
- David Weicherding, an American theologian, consultant and author