Last Name Wehrlen

The surname Wehrlen is of Swiss German origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically a location called "Wehrle" in the canton of Aargau in Switzerland. The name is thought to be related to a small river that flows through this region and means "small stream with a fortification" or "fortified stream" in Old High German. Over time, families living near or originating from this location adopted the name as their surname, passing it down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wehrlen

The meaning and origin of the last name Wehrlen

The surname Wehrlen is of Swiss German origin, deriving from the Old High German "werah" (army) and "hügel" (hill), which combined to denote a fortified hill or military stronghold. It is primarily found in the German-speaking regions of Switzerland and is also present among Swiss immigrant communities in other countries. The name may have been given to someone who lived near such a fortification, or it could have been a surname bestowed upon a soldier or warrior, signifying military service or bravery. The spelling variations of Wehrlen include Wehry, Weerly, Wherly, and Werley, reflecting the phonetic changes that can occur over time and across geographical boundaries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wehrlen

The Wehrlen surname is predominantly found in Germany and Switzerland, reflecting its Germanic origins. According to data from FamilyEducation.com, it is most frequently encountered in the Swiss cantons of Aargau, Schwyz, Zürich, and Thurgau. In Germany, it is concentrated in regions such as Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate. It is also found sporadically in other parts of Europe, including France, Austria, and the Netherlands, suggesting potential migrations of Wehrlen families from their original Germanic homelands. In North America, the surname appears predominantly among German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also found in Canada, particularly Ontario and British Columbia. The geographical distribution of the Wehrlen surname thus reflects a history of migration from its origins in Central Europe to other parts of the world, notably North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wehrlen

The surname Wehrlen has several variations and spellings. Some of these include Wehryln, Wehrel, Wierlain, Wirlein, Werlin, and Wehlin. These variations may stem from regional dialects, transcription errors, or intentional changes over time. Additionally, the name can be found in different languages, such as German (Wehrlen), French (Werlin), and Swiss-German (Wirle). It is essential to note that the correct spelling of a name may vary based on personal preference or historical context, making it important to consider these factors when researching genealogy.

Famous people with the last name Wehrlen

The Wehrlen family has produced several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of science, Ernst Ulrich von Weber-Wehrlen was a Swiss chemist who made significant contributions to the field of spectroscopy and molecular vibrations. In the world of music, Hans Joachim Moser-Wehrlen, also known as "Jochen" Moser, is a renowned German conductor, best known for his work with the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra. In the sports arena, Jürgen Wehrlen was a German ice hockey player who represented West Germany at the 1964 Winter Olympics and was later inducted into the German Ice Hockey Hall of Fame. Additionally, Peter von Wehrden-Wehrlen, a Swiss lawyer and politician, served as a member of the Swiss Federal Council from 2003 to 2015. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements and contributions made by those with the last name Wehrlen.

Genealogical research on the last name Wehrlen

The surname Wehrlen originates from Germany and is primarily associated with the Swiss Canton of Aargau. It is a toponymic name, derived from any of several places called Wehrlen, which mean "small fort" or "fortified place". The earliest known records of the family date back to the 13th century in the region of Aargau. One of the earliest named members was Conradus de Weerelen who was mentioned in a document from 1275. Throughout the Middle Ages, the name spread throughout Switzerland and other German-speaking regions due to various historical events like migration and religious conflicts. The family tree includes several notable individuals, such as Johann Ulrich Wehrlen (1648-1709), a Swiss historian and theologian, and Johann Conrad Wehrlen (1823-1885), a Swiss geologist who made significant contributions to mineralogy. Today, the Wehrlen family can be found in various parts of Switzerland, Germany, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "wehrlen"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends