Last Name Wehinger

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wehinger

The meaning and origin of the last name Wehinger

The surname Wehinger is of German origin and belongs to the category of occupational names. It derives from the Middle High German "wehe" meaning "woe, sorrow" and the Old High German "hagin" meaning "hawk." In its original context, a Wehinger was likely an individual who trained or sold hawks for falconry, a practice associated with nobility in medieval Europe. As occupations often served as indicators of social status, this surname could have been passed down through generations to signify the former profession of the family's ancestor. The popularity of the name Wehinger was concentrated in Southern Germany and Austria, reflecting its regional origins. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved due to various historical factors such as migration, language changes, and scribal errors. Today, it remains a rare but distinctive surname among Germanic populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wehinger

The surname Wehinger is predominantly found in Central Europe, particularly in Austria and Hungary. A significant number of people with this last name reside in the Burgenland region of Austria, which shares its eastern border with Hungary. Smaller populations can also be found in other parts of Austria and in various regions of Hungary, notably in the counties of Vas, Győr-Moson-Sopron, and Fejér. Additionally, individuals with the surname Wehinger can be found in other countries with large Hungarian diaspora communities, such as the United States, Canada, and Germany. The name is of Germanic origin, derived from 'Wachinger', meaning 'guardian' or 'protector'.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wehinger

The surname Wehinger possesses various spellings and variations. These include: Wiehger, Weyher, Weigher, Weichinger, Weihnger, Wehringer, and Weygner. These alterations may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcribing errors, or changes in immigration records over time. It is essential to note that these variations are not necessarily indicative of different branches or origins within the same family tree, but rather the result of linguistic evolution and phonetic interpretations during written documentation.

Famous people with the last name Wehinger

The Wehinger surname is associated with notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent is Günter Wehringer, a German former professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Bayern Munich and the West Germany national team in the 1980s. He was part of the Bayern Munich team that won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 1974 and 1976, and is remembered for his contributions to the club's history. Another well-known Wehinger is Katalin Wehringer, a Hungarian politician who served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 2004 to 2014, representing the Socialist Party (MSZP). She was a member of the Committee on Regional Development and co-opted member of the Committee on Petitions. These are just two examples of individuals with the Wehinger surname who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Wehinger

The surname Wehinger originates from the region that is now part of present-day Austria and Slovenia. It is believed to have Germanic roots, with the name possibly deriving from "Wahinger," meaning "the one who lives at the bend" in reference to a geographical location. The earliest recorded instances of this surname appear in the 14th century, primarily in regions such as Carinthia, Styria, and Tyrol. Throughout history, notable individuals with the Wehinger surname have been found across various professions, including politics, military service, and artisanship. Families with this name later migrated to other European countries, such as Hungary, Romania, and Italy, before some branches eventually reached North America in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Wehinger is a relatively rare surname, found predominantly in Austria, Germany, and the United States. Genealogical research on this name continues to uncover more about its origins, migration patterns, and notable bearers throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "wehinger"
• 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 : 15 June 2025