Surname Weichhard - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Weichhard: What does the surname Weichhard mean?
The last name Weichhard is an Old German name that originates from the words "weihe," meaning sacred or holy, and "hard," meaning strong and brave. It is thought to have referred to someone who was a strong and brave person of faith.
The earliest recorded use of this name dates back to 1338 in Germany, when Henlein Weychard was recorded in the tax registers of Lower Bavaria. The most popular place to find the name is now Austria.
Weichhard is a ornamental or status-bearing name, meaning that it was adopted by families aspiring to high social status, either because of religious, political, or physical prowess. It was likely used in reference to the brave and strong defenders of Christianity in Medieval Europe who rose up to protect it from encroaching forces.
The essence of the name suggests reverence, strength, and a great sense of faith. Those who bear this name could be proud to carry a legacy of strength and faithfulness from the past generations that came before them.
Order DNA origin analysisWeichhard: Where does the name Weichhard come from?
The last name Weichhard is most commonly found in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. It is believed to be derived from the German word “weich”, meaning “tender”, and “hardt”, meaning “strong” or “valiant”. Historians believe the Weichhard family originated in southwest Germany from the Bavarian region of Franconia. As a result, many people with the last name Weichhard still reside in that part of the country today.
The Weichhard name can also be found in parts of Poland, the Czech Republic, and the United States. In the US, the Weichhard family can be traced back to the 19th century when immigrants from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland settled in the Midwest, specifically Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri, and Iowa. The Weichhard name has since spread all over the United States and can be found in nearly every state.
The ancestors of the Weichhard family were farmers and agricultural workers, and their descendants are still involved in the farming industry, in addition to other trades and professions. Although the name was historically spelled in a variety of ways, variants such as Weichard, Weychard, and Weicht are all derivatives of the original Weichhard.
Overall, the last name Weichhard is still quite common in Central Europe and has spread all over the United States as well. The Weichhard family has a long and storied history in multiple countries and their descendants continue to live and work around the world.
Variations of the surname Weichhard
Weichhard is a surname originating from the German language. It can also be spelled as Weichard, Weichhart, Weichart, Weichhardt, Weychardt, Wicheard, Wychard, Wichard, Wichardt, Wicherd, and Wichhart. All of these spellings originate from the same surname.
The surname Weichhard is believed to have derived from the Middle German word “wîchard,” which means “protection.” This likely refers to the role of protection from someone in an influential position or power. Over time, the spelling of the surname has varied as it has been passed down through generations. In some cases, it has been altered due to a variety of reasons, including familial preference, errors in writing, or alterations in culture.
In addition to the various spellings of Weichhard, there are also other surnames that have the same origin. Common names with the same meaning and origin include Wachtmeister, Weichsel, Walther, Wiechers, Wichman, Wicipfel, Wiemerslage, and Willigmann.
Weichhard is an ancient surname that continues to this day. Along with its various spellings and surnames of the same origin, the surname is a reflection of a historic past that continues to be seen in various European cultures.
Famous people with the name Weichhard
- Walther Weichhard (1856: 1899), German mechanical engineer who worked in Danzig.
- Christoph Weichhard (1929: present), Austrian physicist and philosopher known for his work on the core theories of quantum mechanics.
- Agnes Weichhard (born 1962), Austrian politician who served as the State Councillor of Lower Austria in 2013.
- Andrea Weichhard (born 1967), Austrian former cosmonaut and the first female Austrian in space.
- Johannes Weichhard (1783: 1851), Austrian scholar and botanist who studied at the University of Vienna.
- Ernie Weichhard (1921: 2002), Austrian-born American football halfback who played for the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Christine Weichhard (born 1974), Austrian author who is best known for her literary fiction works.
- Manfred Weichhard (born 1957), Austrian former footballer and manager of the Austrian national team in 1999.
- Josef Weichhard (1809: 1885), Austrian painter and architect who designed many of the churches in Vienna.
- Michael Weichhard (born 1961), Austrian basketball player who spent most of his playing career in the Austrian Basketball Association.