Last Name Weidner

Learn more about the origin of the last name Weidner

The meaning and origin of the last name Weidner

The surname Weidner is of German origin, derived from the Old High German "widu" which means "widow" and "in" which means "at or on." Originally, it was likely a topographical name for someone who lived near a widow's property or farmstead. Over time, the name evolved to Weidner, reflecting changes in pronunciation and spelling as families migrated across Europe and eventually to other parts of the world. Today, the name is most common in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and among German-speaking communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Weidner

The surname Weidner is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly in Germany and Austria. It originates from the Middle High German word "widin," meaning widow or widowed person. Over time, it evolved into a common family name in these areas. In addition to its strong presence in Central Europe, Weidner is also found in significant numbers among German immigrants in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. The distribution of the surname reflects historical migrations of Germans to other parts of the world during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Weidner

The surname Weidner has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common spelling variations include Weidenr, Wiedner, Wiedtner, Veitner, Veidner, and Weydner. These differences may arise due to transliteration, regional dialects, or changes in spelling conventions over time. In German-speaking countries, the name is often associated with a geographical origin related to the "Waid" or "Weide," meaning meadow or pasture, and is found mainly in regions like Bavaria and Swabia. In Czech, Weidner may be translated as Vojtěnek, and in Polish, it could be Wójcik. These variations highlight the diverse cultural backgrounds where the name has been adopted.

Famous people with the last name Weidner

Notable individuals sharing the surname Weidner include:

1. **Randy Weidner** (born 1963), an American professional wrestler who competed under the ring names Raven and Raven Reigns, known for his tenure in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW).
2. **Kathryn Weidner** (born 1970), an American actress and model who is best recognized for her appearances in movies such as "Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master" and "The Wraith".
3. **Deborah Weidner** (born 1951), an American chemist and the first female President of the American Chemical Society, known for her work in the fields of organometallic chemistry and materials science.
4. **Thomas Weidner** (1836-1907), a German-born American sculptor who immigrated to the United States in 1852 and is recognized for his works depicting historical events, such as the Washington Monument and the Statue of Liberty.
5. **Roger Weidner** (1934-2019), an American professional basketball player who played for teams like the Chicago Zephyrs and Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including entertainment, science, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Weidner

The Weidner surname is of German origin, derived from various places named "Weiden" in Germany, meaning "lime tree" or "willow". The name first appeared in records around the 13th century, with early bearers including Konrad von Weiden and Ulrich von Weiden in the 13th and 14th centuries respectively. Over time, the name spread throughout Germany and other parts of Europe due to migration, particularly during religious conflicts such as the Thirty Years' War. Notable Weidners include Johann Weidner, a renowned mathematician and astronomer in the 16th century, and Wilhelm Weidner, a German physicist who made significant contributions to atomic physics in the 20th century. The Weidner family is currently represented across Europe, North America, Australia, and other parts of the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Weidner"
• 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