Last Name Weigandt

Learn more about the origin of the last name Weigandt

The meaning and origin of the last name Weigandt

The surname Weigandt is a German derivative from the occupation name "Weber" (weaver) or the topographic name derived from "Webe," referring to a small meadow or clearing. Over time, variations such as Weigand, Weygand, Weyland, and Weigandt emerged due to spelling inconsistencies during the Middle Ages. The "nt" ending is a common German suffix indicating that the name belongs to a person who originated from a specific place. It's worth noting that surnames did not become widespread in Europe until the Late Middle Ages, around the 12th century, when their adoption was promoted by various rulers as a means of maintaining order and taxation. The name Weigandt is most common in Germany but can also be found among German-speaking communities worldwide due to migration patterns over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Weigandt

The surname Weigandt is primarily distributed across Germany and its diaspora communities worldwide due to historical migration patterns. In Germany, it's most prevalent in states such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Schleswig-Holstein. Due to German immigration waves, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, Weigandt is also found in significant numbers in countries like the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, and Australia. In the U.S., the highest concentrations of people with this surname can be found in states like Wisconsin, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. The distribution pattern reflects historical German settlement trends and subsequent dispersal through migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Weigandt

The surname Weigandt has several variants and spellings due to differences in translation, transcription errors, and regional dialects over time. Some of these include:

1. Weigandt: This is the original German spelling, derived from the male given name "Wiegand" or "Wiegan(d)". It is pronounced as "Vai-gant."
2. Weigend: A variation of Weigandt, with a slight alteration in the ending. This spelling can be found among families who immigrated to English-speaking countries and may have had their names Anglicized over time.
3. Veigandt: An alternate spelling that represents phonetic pronunciation variations, particularly among individuals of German descent who speak languages other than German as their first language.
4. Weygandt: Occasionally, the 'w' may be replaced by a 'v', although this is less common compared to the aforementioned spellings.
5. Wiegan(d): This is the root given name from which the surname Weigandt originates. It can sometimes appear as a separate surname in some family trees, particularly among older generations.
6. Vai-gant: An English phonetic transcription of the original German spelling, often used when the exact spelling is unknown or uncertain.

Famous people with the last name Weigandt

Notable individuals bearing the surname Weigandt include:

1. Jürgen Weigandt, a German mathematician known for his work on functional analysis and operator theory. He has authored several books and numerous research papers in these fields.

2. Katharina Weigandt, a German actress who gained recognition for her role in the television series "Das Boot" (2018). She has also appeared in various other German productions, including films and theater plays.

3. Danielle Weigandt, an American professional volleyball player who competed at the collegiate level for the University of Texas at Austin. She was named AVCA All-American twice during her college career.

4. Markus Weigandt, a German former footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He spent most of his career with FC St. Pauli and made several appearances for the Germany national under-21 team.

5. Thomas Weigandt, a German politician who served as Mayor of Schwerte from 2004 to 2019. Prior to that, he worked as a teacher and was involved in various civic organizations.

Genealogical research on the last name Weigandt

The Weigandt surname is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German 'Weichant' meaning 'weak' or 'soft'. Variations of this name include Weichhand, Weichhandt, and Wiechhand. The earliest known recorded bearer of the name was Heinrich Wiegandt, who lived in Germany in the 14th century.

Emigration from Germany to other parts of Europe and the Americas began in the late 17th century, with significant numbers leaving during the 18th and 19th centuries due to political instability, religious conflicts, and economic hardship. Weigandts are known to have settled in various regions, including Pennsylvania and Ohio in the United States, and Ontario in Canada.

Notable individuals with the Weigandt surname include Wilhelm Weigandt (1834-1902), a German-born American architect who designed several prominent buildings in Chicago, and Paul Weigandt (1867-1953), a Swiss businessman who was a key figure in the development of the Swiss watch industry. The surname remains relatively uncommon outside of Germany and its diaspora communities.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Weigandt"
• 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