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Last Name Wehring

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What is the origin of the last name Wehring?

The last name Wehring is of German origin. It is derived from a geographical name for someone who lived near or worked on a clearing ("Haring") in a forested area with wet soil ("Weichsiedel" in Old High German), as "Weh-Haring" evolved to Wehring over time. This surname can be found primarily in Germany, particularly in the region of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wehring

The meaning and origin of the last name Wehring

The surname Wehring is of German origin, derived from a topographic name for someone who lived near a weir or sluice on a river. The word "Wehring" comes from "Wehr," which means defense or protection in the context of a fortification, and "-ing," a suffix used to denote a place or a person associated with something. The use of topographic names was widespread in medieval Europe as a way to identify people by their relationships to their geographical surroundings. In the Middle Ages, when personal names were limited and often biblical, people would use place names or occupational names to differentiate themselves from others. Thus, the surname Wehring originated to help distinguish members of a particular family who lived near a weir on a river from their neighbors.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wehring

The surname Wehring is predominantly distributed across Central and Eastern Europe, particularly Germany, where it originated. A significant number of people with this name can be found in regions such as Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Lower Saxony. Smaller populations reside in Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. The diaspora of Wehrings is also noticeable in other European countries including France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, and Poland, due to historical migration patterns. Outside Europe, the United States has a substantial population of people with the surname Wehring, primarily in states such as Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, reflecting German immigration during the 19th century. Smaller groups can be found in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where German immigrants settled over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wehring

The surname Wehring can have various spellings and variations due to phonetic differences and regional influences. Some of these variations include Wehryng, Whering, Wehrin, Wehрин, Weiring, Wehr ing, Wehrynge, Wehyrin, Wehyring, and Wehiryng. It is important to note that the correct spelling can depend on the specific family's origin or migration history. The name Wehring is of German origin, derived from the word "Weier," which means "defensive wall" or "fortification." The suffix "-ing" in some variations suggests an occupation related to fortifications. These spellings and variations provide insight into the diverse heritage and history associated with this surname.

Famous people with the last name Wehring

The Wehring family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Karl Wehring (1836-1914), an American artist who excelled in wood engraving, lithography, and etching. His works were widely recognized for their exquisite detail and realistic portrayal of American life during the late 19th century. Another well-known Wehring is Paul E. Wehring (born 1947), an American businessman who served as the Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola Enterprises, one of the world's largest bottlers of Coca-Cola products. Additionally, Michael Wehring (1923-2015) was a highly decorated U.S. Army soldier during World War II, earning several awards for his bravery and service in combat. Lastly, Jocelyn Wehring is a Canadian-American actress who has had recurring roles in popular television series such as "Fringe" and "Almost Human."

Genealogical research on the last name Wehring

The Wehring surname is primarily of German origin and is believed to have derived from various places in Germany, including Bavaria and Saxony. It is thought to have its roots in the Old High German 'warih' or 'weri,' meaning 'guard' or 'watchman.' One notable early bearer of the name was Conradus Weiring, who lived in Saxony during the 13th century. The name's spread across Europe is associated with migrations following the Reformation and later economic opportunities. In North America, the Wehring surname can be traced back to German immigrants who settled primarily in Pennsylvania in the late 1700s. Notable American Wehrings include Samuel Wehring, a pioneer in the development of the sewing machine industry, and Carl Wehring, a notable architect known for his work on the Chicago Board of Trade Building. The Wehring surname is also found in Australia, where it was brought by German immigrants in the late 1800s.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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