Last Name Weiand

Learn more about the origin of the last name Weiand

The meaning and origin of the last name Weiand

The surname Weiand is of Germanic origin, specifically derived from various places named Weiden (meaning "meadow") in Germany. The name could also have been occupational, referring to someone who worked with or near a weir (a barrier across a river or stream) in water management or fishing. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of this surname have varied, with Weiand being one of the more common variations. It is notable that German immigrants brought this name to many countries during waves of migration in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, contributing to its global distribution today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Weiand

The last name Weiand is predominantly found in the United States, with significant concentrations in Pennsylvania and Ohio, states that have a substantial German-American population. This surname may have originated from the German word "Weiden," meaning "willow" or "shrubby tree." Early Weiand ancestors emigrated to America in the 18th and 19th centuries as part of the larger wave of German immigration during this period. Additionally, small numbers of people with the surname Weiand can be found in Canada and other English-speaking countries due to migrations from the United States. However, it is less common outside these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Weiand

The surname Weiand has multiple variants and spellings due to differences in transcription, regional dialects, and migration. Some common variations include Weyand, Weian, Wiand, Weyhnd, Wied, Weind, and Weynad. These variations may arise from errors in recording names during immigration, misinterpretations of phonetic sounds, or intentional alterations to fit local customs or traditions. The name is primarily found among people of German origin, although it has been adopted by individuals of other nationalities through marriage or assimilation. It is derived from a place name or occupational name related to a weaver or a settler near a winding river, as "Wiand" can be broken down into "wi-" (meaning "winding") and "-and" (a common ending for rivers).

Famous people with the last name Weiand

The Weiand family has produced notable figures across various fields. One prominent member is Charles Weiand, an American professional drag racer who holds multiple NHRA world championship titles. In the field of music, there is James Weiand, known by his stage name Jimmy Webb, a prolific songwriter who penned hits like "Up, Up and Away" and "Wichita Lineman." Additionally, David Weiand is an accomplished scientist, serving as the Director of Bioinformatics at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He has made significant contributions to the field of bioinformatics and molecular biology. Furthermore, Toby Weiand, a Canadian film director, producer, and writer, is known for his work on various TV series, including "The Dead Zone" and "Lost Girl." These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and achievements within the Weiand family.

Genealogical research on the last name Weiand

The surname Weiand is of German origin, primarily found in the region of Baden-Württemberg. It is derived from the Middle High German word "weian," meaning "to weave," suggesting that an early ancestor was a craftsman who worked with textiles. Variations of the surname include Weyand, Waiand, and Weyland.

The first recorded spelling of the name appeared in Germany during the 13th century as "Weian." The family line can be traced to Ulrich Weiand, who was a knight living in the town of Bühl during the late 14th century. Over the centuries, many notable members of the Weiand family emerged in various professions such as law, medicine, and the military.

One notable bearer of the name is Friedrich Weiand (1765-1828), who served as a high-ranking officer in the Prussian Army during the Napoleonic Wars. Another significant member is Dr. Ernst Weyland (1891-1973), a prominent German physician and medical researcher who made significant contributions to the field of internal medicine.

The family later migrated to America, with many settling in Pennsylvania's German Valley during the 18th century. Today, descendants of the Weiand family can be found throughout North America, particularly in the United States and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Weiand"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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.
Last updated : 11 June 2025