Last Name Weidler

Learn more about the origin of the last name Weidler

The meaning and origin of the last name Weidler

The surname Weidler is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "weit" which means wide, broad, or spacious, and "wald" which means forest or woodland. The name was likely originally given to someone who lived near or by a wide clearing or open area within a forest or wooded region. Over time, the surname evolved into various spellings such as Weidler, Wiedler, Veitler, and Veitlzer, depending on regional dialects and scribes' interpretations. The name is common in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other German-speaking regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Weidler

The surname Weidler is predominantly of German origin and has a significant presence in Germany, particularly in the northern regions such as Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia. Additionally, it is also found in other German-speaking countries like Austria and Switzerland. Outside Europe, the name Weidler can be traced in countries with substantial German immigration, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. In the U.S., the highest concentrations are in states with historical German settlements, notably Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Texas, Illinois, and California. In Canada, Ontario and Manitoba have a higher occurrence of the surname Weidler.

Variants and spellings of the last name Weidler

The surname Weidler has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Weidler, Weyder, Veitler, Veithler, Weitler, Vetler, and Wiedler. These variations may occur due to factors such as regional dialects, personal preference, or errors during data entry or immigration processes. In addition, surnames can change over time based on cultural influences, religious conversions, or family traditions. For instance, the name Veit, meaning "life" in German, could be a shorter form of Weidler, which may derive from words related to "wood" or "forest." It is essential to note that these variations and spellings do not significantly alter the original root and meaning of the surname.

Famous people with the last name Weidler

Notable individuals with the surname Weidler include:

1. Michael Weidler (born 1968), an Austrian alpine ski racer who won a bronze medal at the 1992 Winter Olympics in the combined event.
2. Ulrich Weidler (born 1945), a German political scientist, diplomat, and former ambassador of Germany to the United States.
3. Heike Weidler (born 1967), a German political scientist and author who specializes in European Union politics.
4. Ralf Weidler (born 1960), a retired East German footballer who played as a defender, best known for his time at Bayer Leverkusen.
5. Christian Weidler (born 1983), a German professional ice hockey player who currently plays for Eisbären Berlin in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL).

Genealogical research on the last name Weidler

The surname Weidler originates from Germany, where it is derived from the Old High German "widara" meaning "wide," and "hla(h)oriz" which means "clearing." Early records show that the name was first found in Meissen, where the family can be traced back to Heinrich der Weidler, mentioned in a charter dating back to 1207. The family also played significant roles in other regions of Germany, such as Bavaria and Thuringia. Emigration from Germany led to the dispersal of the Weidlers across the world, with notable settlements in North America, particularly in Pennsylvania and Texas, due to the influence of the Pennsylvania Dutch (German-speaking settlers) in the 18th century. In the United States, the name is often spelled as Weidel or Weidell, reflecting variations in transcription from German records.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Weidler"
• 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 : 28 July 2025