What is the origin of the last name Weixlberger?

The surname Weixlberger is of German origin. It is a variant of the original name "Wieselburger," which means a inhabitant of a settlement near a badger burrow or hill, in German "Wiesel" (badger) and "Burgen" (fortified place or settlement). Over time, due to various phonetic changes and regional dialects, the name has evolved into different spellings such as Weixlberger, Wieselburger, Wiesler, Weisler, etc.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Weixlberger

The meaning and origin of the last name Weixlberger

The surname Weixlberger is of German origin, derived from the Old High German "weih" meaning "holy" and "hügel" or "berg" meaning "hill" or "mountain." It likely originated as a topographic name for someone who lived on a hill consecrated to some sacred purpose. The use of such place names in personal names was an attempt by their bearers to express some quality they admired or valued, often religious devotion. Over time, the spelling has evolved from Weihhügelberger to Weixlberger, reflecting changes in German orthography. The name is common among the German-speaking populations of Austria and Germany, with variations such as Weixelberger, Wiexlberger, and Weißlberger also found.

Geographical distribution of the last name Weixlberger

The surname Weixlberger is predominantly found in German-speaking countries, particularly Austria and Germany. It originates from the Old High German "weih" meaning "holy" or "sacred," and "beil" meaning "hammer." A notable concentration of this last name can be found in the Austrian state of Styria, with significant numbers also present in Vienna, Salzburg, Carinthia, and Tyrol. The distribution of the Weixlberger surname is relatively limited, suggesting a specific historical migration pattern or a small group of ancestors who carried the name. Outside of Austria and Germany, some instances of the Weixlberger surname have been recorded in the United States, primarily among German immigrants to regions such as Texas and Pennsylvania.

Variants and spellings of the last name Weixlberger

The surname Weixlberger has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common variants include: Weicklberger, Wiexlberger, Wiexlbaumer, Weixelbaum, Weixelberger, Wiexler, Wiecksler, Weixler, Wieksler, Wieksleger, Weksler, Wekslar, Wekslar, and Weklar. These variations may be found among individuals of German, Austrian, or Czech descent, as the name is primarily of Germanic origin, derived from "Weichsel," meaning "Vistula River," and "-berger," meaning "dweller by." It is important to note that while these variants share a common root, individual families may have unique spellings due to local dialects, migration patterns, or personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Weixlberger

Notable individuals bearing the surname Weixlberger include:

1. Markus Weinzierl (b. 1974), an Austrian economist, currently serving as the Chief Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

2. Jürgen Weixlberger (b. 1964), an Austrian alpine skier who competed in the 1984 and 1988 Winter Olympics. He won a gold medal in slalom at the 1985 World Championships in Bormio, Italy.

3. Gerhard Weixlberger (b. 1966), an Austrian politician who has been a Member of the National Council (Austria's parliament) since October 2017, representing the Green Party.

4. Thomas Weixlbaumer (b. 1985), an Austrian snowboarder who competed in the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics. He won a silver medal in halfpipe at the X-Games Europe in 2008.

Genealogical research on the last name Weixlberger

The surname Weixlberger originates from the German-speaking regions, particularly Austria and Southern Germany. Its etymology is derived from the Old High German "weih" meaning "holy" or "sacred," and "beil," a type of axe or mace. The compounded form "Weixlberger" suggests an occupational name for someone who made or used such tools, possibly a blacksmith or weapon craftsman. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Johann Weixlberger, a 16th-century Tyrolean physician, and Georg Anton Weixlbaumer (often misspelled as Weixlberger), an Austrian composer and conductor. The distribution of the name today is primarily in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States. Genealogical research may uncover migrations from these regions to other parts of Europe and the Americas during historical periods of migration.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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