Last Name Wajs

The last name Wajs is of Jewish origin and is derived from various Ashkenazi Jewish surnames that were either occupational names for a weaver (German "Webe," Yiddish "Vayb") or a nickname for someone who was quick-witted or agile, as the word "Wajs" in Hebrew means "smart" or "clever." This name may have also been a shortened form of the Jewish name Avraham (Abraham). The spelling variations may include Weiss, Weisz, and Weis.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wajs

The meaning and origin of the last name Wajs

The surname Wajs is of Hebrew origin and is believed to have been derived from various sources. One possible derivation is from the Hebrew word "wa-ya'aseh," which means "and he will do" or "may it be done." Another possibility is that it originates from the Hebrew name "Va'ish," meaning "life" or "grace." The surname may have also been a nickname for someone who was lively or full of life. Wajs, as well as other Jewish surnames, became more common during the Middle Ages when Jewish communities were required to adopt surnames in some regions of Europe. The name is found primarily among Sephardic Jews and has various spellings including Wais, Weis, Waze, and Vais.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wajs

The surname Wajs is predominantly found within Jewish communities, with a significant concentration in Poland and Lithuania, reflecting its Ashkenazi origin. Historically, many Jews bearing the name Wajs resided in towns such as Krakow, Lodz, and Pinsk in these countries. The surname also has a presence in Israel, due to the migration of Polish Jews following World War II. In addition, small populations with the last name Wajs can be found in other Eastern European countries like Russia and Ukraine, as well as in the United States and Canada, where Jewish immigrants settled during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wajs

The surname Wajs has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variations include Vajz, Wajsz, Weiss (from German), Veys, and Wayce. These variants originate from the Ashkenazi Jewish name "Weiss," which means "white" in German. Another variation is the Polish form "Wójcik," which is similar to Wajs but has a different etymology, meaning "blacksmith." In Hebrew, the name Weiss translates to "Chayyat," meaning "alive" or "living." It's essential to consider the geographical and cultural context when determining the origin of the surname.

Famous people with the last name Wajs

Notable individuals with the surname Wajs include:

1. Shimon Wajs (1924-2013), a Polish-born Israeli physicist who made significant contributions to the development of nuclear reactors and energy policy.

2. Marcel Wajsblum (1920-2016), a Polish-American jurist, lawyer, and Holocaust survivor who served as the U.S. Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency from 1977 to 1981.

3. Henryk Wajs (born 1942), a Polish film director, screenwriter, and photographer known for his work in documentary films about the Holocaust and World War II.

4. Jacek Wajs (born 1960), a Polish poet, essayist, and journalist who has written extensively on literature, culture, and politics.

5. Anna Wajs (born 1987), a Polish-American actress, known for her roles in films such as "The Lodge" (2019) and "Hereditary" (2018).

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields including physics, law, filmmaking, literature, and acting. Their works and achievements continue to be recognized globally.

Genealogical research on the last name Wajs

The Wajs surname originates from Ashkenazi Jewish communities and is believed to have roots in Poland, Lithuania, and Russia. It's a variant of the Jewish name "Wais" which means "mourner" or "lamenter." The name might have been derived from a profession related to mourning rituals or as a commemoration to a relative who passed away.

In terms of genealogical records, Wajs is not an uncommon Jewish surname and can be found in various databases such as the Central Registry of the Jewish Community in Poland (CIJN), JewishGen, and MyHeritage. Historical documents like census records, vital records (birth, marriage, death), immigration lists, and synagogue registers are potential sources for tracing Wajs ancestors.

It's important to note that due to historical events such as the Holocaust, genealogical research on Jewish families may encounter gaps or incomplete information in certain periods. However, using various records and resources can help fill these gaps and provide a comprehensive understanding of the Wajs family history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "wajs"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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