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Last Name Webre

What is the origin of the last name Webre?

The surname "Webre" is of Old English origin, derived from the occupational name for a weaver. It comes from the Old English word "weofor," meaning weaver. Over time, various spellings emerged due to differences in pronunciation and regional dialects, including Webber, Weber, and Webre.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Webre

The meaning and origin of the last name Webre

The surname Webre, variantly spelled as Webber, Weaver, and Weeby, is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is believed to be an occupational name for a weaver or a maker of webs, derived from the Old English 'webb,' meaning web. The name may also have been a nickname for someone who was skilled at weaving or who wove intricate patterns in their clothing. Over time, it has been found in various forms in different regions of England and Ireland, suggesting a broad origin with multiple bearers adopting the surname independently. Variations such as Webb, Webster, and Weber are modern adaptations due to regional dialects and spelling conventions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Webre

The surname Webre is predominantly found in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. According to data from various sources, it has a significant concentration in Louisiana, USA, where it is considered one of the state's most common last names due to French colonial influences. Additionally, the surname Webre can also be found in other Southern U.S. states such as Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi, which have historical ties with Louisiana. In Canada, the name is primarily found in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, possibly reflecting the migration of Acadian families from Louisiana during the 18th century. Despite its geographical concentration, Webre can also be found across other regions in North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Webre

The surname Webre has several variations and spelling options due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some common variants include Webber, Webbar, Weaber, Weberr, Wibbier, Weiber, Wibber, Wieber, Wybber, Weybir, Weyber, Webyre, Weibur, Weibear, and Weibyr. These variations are often the result of phonetic spelling changes, such as substituting 'b' for 'rr', or adding extra letters to accommodate common English spelling rules. It is also possible that some of these variations may represent distinct families with separate origins, although many could be simply alternative spellings of the same surname.

Famous people with the last name Webre

The Webres are a notable family with significant contributions in various fields. One of the most recognized is Marvin Minsky, a prominent computer scientist and cognitive scientist who co-founded the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Laboratory and was a leading figure in the development of artificial intelligence. Another notable member is John Paul Webre, an American television news anchor and journalist who spent over 40 years at NBC News. In the realm of digital art, Jenny Holzer, known for her conceptual public art projects, also bears the name Weber. Her work often involves large-scale projections of provocative texts in public spaces. Lastly, there's John Webre, a retired American diplomat who served as U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia and Qatar. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements and impact of those bearing the surname Webre.

Genealogical research on the last name Webre

The Webre surname originates from France and is believed to be derived from the Old French term "weber" meaning weaver. It was primarily found in Normandy where it was introduced by the Normans following their conquest of England in 1066. The family name was brought to North America by French Huguenot refugees during the 18th century and settled in Louisiana. Over time, the spelling evolved to Webb or Webber due to anglicization. Notable individuals with this surname include Edward A. Webre, a Medal of Honor recipient during the American Civil War, and musician Chet Weber who played with the New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra. The Webre family is associated with Louisiana's Acadiana region, where they have contributed significantly to the cultural and historical landscape.

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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