NomOrigine Background

Last Name Weathers

What is the origin of the last name Weathers?

The surname "Weathers" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "wether" or "wether-man" which referred to a shepherd or a ram. The name may have initially been a nickname given to someone who worked as a shepherd or who had the characteristics of a ram, such as strength or stubbornness. Over time, it became a surname passed down through generations.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Weathers

The meaning and origin of the last name Weathers

The surname Weathers is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "wether" which means a castrated ram or a wether for breeding purposes. The name is occupational in nature, suggesting that the original bearers of the name may have been involved in the sheep farming or wool trade industry. Another possible origin of the surname is from the Middle English word "weder," meaning weather, indicating that the name might have been a nickname for someone who was known to be unpredictable, changeable or moody. Variations of the name include Wathers and Wethers. The surname Weathers can be found predominantly in England, particularly in the West Midlands region, as well as in the United States. As with many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation may have evolved over time due to various factors such as migration and regional dialects.

Geographical distribution of the last name Weathers

The surname Weathers is primarily found in the United States, with a widespread distribution across various states. The highest concentration of individuals with the last name Weathers is in the southern region, particularly in the states of Texas, Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. Texas, in particular, has a significant number of Weathers families, especially in cities like Houston and Dallas. Alabama also has a notable population of Weathers, with concentrations in Birmingham and Montgomery. In Georgia, the surname is prevalent in Atlanta and Augusta, while in Mississippi, it is often found in Jackson and Gulfport. Outside of the southern region, Weathers can also be found in states like California, Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Although the surname is less common in other countries, it is not unheard of to find individuals with the last name Weathers in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Weathers

The last name Weathers can have several variations and spellings, reflecting the diverse ways it might have been recorded throughout history. Some potential variations include Weather, Wethers, and Wathers. These variations can occur due to regional accents, misinterpretations, or clerical errors during the process of record-keeping. Additionally, alternative spellings such as Wethersby, Wetherston, or Witherspoon could have emerged from different branches of the family tree. Over time, as families migrated, settled in new areas, or underwent changes in social or cultural circumstances, the name could have continued to evolve. Different spellings might have been adopted to adapt to local linguistic conventions or to establish individual identities. As with many surnames, variations and spellings of Weathers highlight the flexible nature of names and remind us of the intricate pathways that genealogy journeys can take.

Famous people with the last name Weathers

Carl Weathers is a renowned American actor, famously known for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the Rocky film series. Born in 1948, Weathers initially started his career as a professional football player before transitioning into acting. His memorable performances alongside Sylvester Stallone earned him widespread recognition and critical acclaim. Another notable individual with the last name Weathers is Anna Weathersby, a prominent opera singer hailing from the United States. Weathersby, known for her captivating soprano voice, has performed in numerous prestigious venues around the world, receiving accolades and adoration from audiences. Her exceptional talent and passionate renditions have cemented her place among the renowned opera singers of her generation. These individuals, Carl Weathers in the acting world and Anna Weathersby in the realm of opera, have left indelible marks on their respective industries, solidifying their status as icons.

Genealogical research on the last name Weathers

The research on the last name Weathers reveals a fascinating genealogical journey. The origin of the surname can be traced back to ancient England, where it derived from the Old English word "weather" meaning "storm" or "strong." It is believed that those who bore this surname were likely associated with enduring challenging weather conditions or possessing a strong and resilient nature. The Weathers family began to spread its branches across different regions over time. Historical records indicate significant concentrations of Weathers families in counties such as Yorkshire, Cumberland, and Lancashire. The name gradually migrated to various parts of the world, including North America, particularly the United States, during times of emigration. Further genealogical research reveals numerous notable individuals bearing the Weathers name throughout history. These include prominent figures in the fields of arts, literature, and sports. Tracing one's ancestry with the last name Weathers can unveil a rich history and provide a sense of connection to the past.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Weadje (Last name)

surnames > weadje

The last name "Weadje" does not have a clear origin or meaning in English. It may be a variant spelling or a less common surname with origins in a specific region or language. Addi...

Weale (Last name)

surnames > weale

The last name Weale is of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Old Welsh personal name Gwyl, meaning "celebration" or "festival". Over time, the surname evolved to Weale or Weales.

Weathermaker (Last name)

surnames > weathermaker

The last name "Weathermaker" is of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "weder," meaning weather, and the Old English word "macian," meaning to make or create...