Last Name Weill

The surname Weill is of German and Jewish (Ashkenazic) origin. It is derived from the personal name Veil, which is a short form of several different given names such as Veit or Vitus. The name likely originated in the Middle Ages as a way to denote someone who was named after these saints.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Weill

The meaning and origin of the last name Weill

The surname Weill is of German origin and is derived from the Old High German word "weli," meaning willow tree. Willows were symbolic in ancient Germanic cultures and were associated with strength, stability, and protection. The surname likely originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a willow tree or in a place where willows were abundant. Alternatively, it could have been a descriptive name for someone who possessed the characteristics of a willow tree – flexible, resilient, and adaptable. Over time, the surname Weill may have also been used as a nickname for individuals who exhibited these qualities. Today, individuals with the surname Weill can be found all over the world, reflecting the spreading of Germanic influence and culture through migration and trade.

Geographical distribution of the last name Weill

The last name Weill, which originated in Germany, has a diverse geographical distribution today. It is primarily found in Europe, particularly in Germany, France, and Switzerland. In Germany, the name is most prevalent in the states of Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse. In France, it is commonly found in the Alsace region, as well as in Paris and other major cities. Switzerland also has a significant concentration of individuals with the surname Weill, especially in the cantons of Basel-Stadt, Geneva, and Vaud.

Furthermore, due to emigration and migration patterns, the Weill name has spread to other parts of the world as well. In the United States, it can be found among Jewish communities in states such as New York, California, and Florida. Other countries with noticeable populations of Weill descendants include Argentina, Brazil, Israel, and Canada. The geographical distribution of the Weill last name reflects both historical ties and more recent migration patterns across continents.

Variants and spellings of the last name Weill

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Famous people with the last name Weill

The Weill family name has been associated with several prominent individuals in different fields. One famous personality with the last name Weill is Kurt Weill, a renowned German composer and musician. He became widely recognized for his theatre works in the 1920s and 1930s, collaborating with playwright Bertolt Brecht on the iconic musical "The Threepenny Opera." Kurt Weill's experimental and innovative approach to music had a lasting impression in the world of musical theatre. Another notable figure is Sanford I. Weill, an influential American businessman and philanthropist. He is best known for his role as the chairman and CEO of Citigroup, where he played a vital role in its expansion and success during the 1980s and 1990s. Sanford Weill's expertise and leadership in the financial industry made him one of the most prominent figures in the banking sector.

Genealogical research on the last name Weill

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Weill"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends