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Last Name Wehrs

What is the origin of the last name Wehrs?

The last name "Wehrs" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "wehr," meaning defense or protection. It likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked as a defender or protector.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wehrs

The meaning and origin of the last name Wehrs

The surname Wehrs is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "wehr" meaning "defensive structure" or "fortress." It is believed to have originated as a surname for someone who lived near or worked at a fortification. The Wehrs surname is considered to be of occupational origin, indicating that the original bearers may have been involved in building or maintaining defensive structures. Over time, variations of the surname Wehrs may have developed as families migrated and settled in different regions, leading to different spellings of the name. Today, individuals with the surname Wehrs can be found primarily in Germany and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wehrs

The surname Wehrs is primarily found in Germany, specifically in the regions of North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Hesse. It is also present in smaller numbers in the United States, particularly in states such as Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. Additionally, there are scattered occurrences of the last name in countries like Switzerland, Austria, and Belgium. The concentration of individuals with the surname Wehrs in Germany suggests that it is most commonly associated with German ancestry. However, the smaller presence of the surname in other countries indicates that migration and dispersion have contributed to its geographical distribution outside of Germany. Overall, the distribution of the last name Wehrs is largely centered in Germany, with some presence in other countries as well.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wehrs

The variations and spellings of the last name Wehrs include Wehr, Wehrr, Wehers, Wers, and Wehrz. These variations may differ depending on regional differences, historical influences, or personal preferences. Nonetheless, all of these variations ultimately stem from the original surname Wehrs, and are used to identify individuals or families who bear this particular last name.

Famous people with the last name Wehrs

Some of the most famous individuals with the last name Wehrs include Markus Wehrs, a German football player known for his time playing as a midfielder for various clubs in the Bundesliga. Another notable individual is Christine Wehrs, an American actress and producer who has appeared in numerous television shows and films. Additionally, Michael Wehrs is a well-known American lawyer and technology executive who has held leadership positions in various companies in the tech industry. These individuals have each made significant contributions in their respective fields and have helped bring recognition to the Wehrs surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Wehrs

The surname Wehrs is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "wehr," meaning "defense" or "protection." It is believed to have originated as an occupational name for someone who worked as a defender or protector. The Wehrs family may have been part of the nobility or held positions of authority in their community. Genealogical research on the surname Wehrs reveals that it is relatively rare, with concentrations in regions of Germany such as the Rhineland and Westphalia. Variations of the name include Wehr and Wehrmann. Tracing the family history of the Wehrs surname may lead to connections with other Germanic surnames and families, shedding light on the ancestral roots and heritage of individuals bearing this name.

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 : 8 June 2025

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