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Last Name Weaver

What is the origin of the last name Weaver?

The surname "Weaver" is of Old English origin and derives from an occupation. It refers to a person who works with thread or yarn, such as a maker of cloth. The term 'weave' itself originates from Old English 'wefan,' meaning 'to weave.' This surname was likely used as an occupational name for someone involved in the textile industry.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Weaver

The meaning and origin of the last name Weaver

The surname Weaver is an occupational name derived from the Old English word "wever," which means "one who weaves." It was originally given to individuals who worked as weavers, a common trade during the Middle Ages. The profession required skill in using a loom to create textiles, and weavers were essential for the production of clothing and other fabric goods. The name is found in various forms across Europe, including Webber, Webb, and Wever, reflecting regional dialectal differences. The use of surnames originated from the need to distinguish individuals with similar names living within a village or town. As trades became more specialized and mobility increased, occupational surnames like Weaver became common throughout Europe during the High Middle Ages (1000-1300 AD).

Geographical distribution of the last name Weaver

The surname Weaver is predominantly found in English-speaking countries, with significant concentrations in England, Wales, and Scotland, due to its Anglo-Saxon origins. In England, it is most common in the East Midlands, East of England, and North West regions. In Scotland, it is particularly prevalent in the Central, Tayside, and Fife areas. In the United States, Weaver is dispersed across various states but has notable populations in the South (particularly Texas, Alabama, and Georgia), Midwest (Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana), and Northeast (New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts). It is also present in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, reflecting historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Weaver

The surname Weaver has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation over time. The most common variants include Weaver, Weaber, Weavere, Weyver, Waeber, Wever, Waiver, and Weubere. These variations may be found across different countries, particularly in English-speaking regions such as England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the United States. Additionally, some families may have regional or ancestral specific variants, such as Waever in Denmark or Weber in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It's essential to consider these variations when researching family history or genealogy.

Famous people with the last name Weaver

Notable individuals with the surname Weaver include:

1. Sigourney Weaver: An acclaimed American actress known for her roles in films such as Alien, Avatar, and Ghostbusters.

2. Laurence Tureaud (alias Mr. T): An American actor, bodybuilder, and former professional wrestler, best recognized for his role as B. A. Baracus in the television series The A-Team.

3. Forest Stewart Whitaker Jr., commonly known as Forest Whitaker: An American actor, producer, and reggae musician, who has appeared in films like Platoon, The Last King of Scotland, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

4. Wesley Snipes: An American actor and film producer, best known for his roles in the Blade trilogy, New Jack City, and Passenger 57.

5. Stockard Channing: An American actress who gained fame for her role as Betty Rizzo in Grease and as Abby Perkins in The West Wing. While Channing's surname is originally Cohen, she took the stage name Weaver during her early career.

Genealogical research on the last name Weaver

The surname Weaver originates from the Old English 'wefan,' meaning 'to weave.' It is an occupational name for a weaver or a nickname for someone skilled at weaving. The name can be traced back to medieval England, with early recorded instances of the name in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as Webbe and Webba.

The Weaver family has a rich history and notable branches. One significant lineage is the Weaver family of Yorkshire, who can be traced back to the late Middle Ages. The family's coat of arms features three blue weaver's shuttles on a gold background. Another well-known branch is the Weaver family of Lancashire, who were prominent in the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution.

The Weaver family migrated to America in significant numbers during the 17th and 18th centuries. Notable American descendants include James Weaver, a U.S. Senator from Iowa and the first presidential candidate of the Populist Party, and Mary J. Weaver, an African-American activist and civil rights pioneer. The Weaver name remains common in England, particularly in the northern counties, as well as in the United States.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 28 July 2025

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