The surname Weglage is of German origin. It is derived from a geographical name, specifically referring to a person who lived near a small clearing or open area within a forest. The word "Weg" means path or way, and "Lage" means place or location in German. Therefore, the name Weglage can be roughly translated as 'dweller by the clearing'. This kind of surname development is common in German-speaking regions during the Middle Ages when population growth led to a need for distinct names to differentiate between individuals living in the same area.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Weglage
The meaning and origin of the last name Weglage
The surname Weglage is of German origin, derived from place names that have the element "Wegel" or "Wegele," which means "small path" or "little alley." The name originally served as a topographical or occupational designation for someone who lived near or worked on a small path or alley. Over time, the name evolved and was adopted by various families in Germany. It is also possible that the name has origins in other Germanic languages with similar meanings. Today, Weglage is a relatively uncommon surname found primarily in Germany but can also be found in populations of German descent around the world.
Geographical distribution of the last name Weglage
The surname Weglage has a significant presence in Germany, particularly in the northern states of Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. It is most frequently found in the districts of Emsland, Steinburg, and Cloppenburg. The name also appears in other parts of Europe, including Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands, where it may have originated as a result of migration or colonial expansion from Germany. In North America, Weglages are predominantly found in the United States, with concentrations in states such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, which likely reflect immigration patterns from Germany in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Variants and spellings of the last name Weglage
The surname Weglage has several variations and spellings. Some common spelling variations include Weglage, Wegelage, and Weglages. These variations stem from differences in pronunciation and transliteration over time.
The name Weglage is of German origin and is derived from the word "Wiesenlager," which means "meadow enclosure." It's possible that early immigrants or transcription errors may have led to the different spellings observed today.
In genealogical research, it's important to consider these variations when searching for ancestors with this surname. Researching multiple spelling variations can help ensure a comprehensive understanding of one's family history.
Famous people with the last name Weglage
The Weglage family has produced notable figures in various fields, demonstrating versatility and achievement across different domains. One of the most recognized individuals is Lutz Weglage, a German musician who plays the cello and is a member of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. In the world of athletics, Jana Weglage, a former professional tennis player, represented Germany in several international tournaments during the 1980s. Additionally, Karl-Heinz Weglage, a German physicist, made significant contributions to quantum optics and was awarded the Max Born Prize for his groundbreaking work. These notable individuals have left their mark on different areas of human endeavor, further solidifying the Weglage name as one associated with great achievement.
Genealogical research on the last name Weglage
The surname Weglage is of German origin and is believed to have derived from various places named Weglitz or Wegelsdorf in Lower Saxony and Brandenburg regions of Germany. The name is a topographic one, indicating someone who lived near a small path or lane, as 'weg' means path or way in Old High German, and '-lage' denotes a place or settlement.
The earliest recorded occurrence of the Weglage family can be traced back to the mid-18th century in Germany. The family migrated to North America during the 19th century, with many settling in the United States, particularly in states like Minnesota and Wisconsin. Notable descendants include Wilhelm Weglage, a prominent businessman and political figure in late 19th century Minnesota.
The Weglages continued their journey to other parts of the world, including Canada and Australia, where they contributed significantly to their respective societies in various fields such as agriculture, politics, and education. Today, the Weglage family continues to thrive globally, with its roots deeply embedded in German tradition while adapting to modern times and diverse cultures.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The last name "Wega" is of Polish origin. It is derived from the word "węgiel," which means "coal" in Polish. It is likely that the surname was originally given to people who work...
The surname Wegen is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "wegan," meaning "way" or "road." It likely started as a topographic name for someone who live...
The last name Wegener is of German origin. It is a surname derived from the Middle High German word "wagener," which means "wagon maker" or "cartwright." The name likely would have...
The last name "Wegiel" is of Polish origin. It is derived from a topographic name for someone who lived near a place where coal was mined (wegiełna, węgielnisko), or an occupatio...
The surname Wegmüller is of Swiss-German origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically a farm located near a road or a boundary, as "weg" means way or road, and "müller" ...
