The surname Werlin has roots that can be traced back to several European countries, primarily Germany and Poland. It is derived from various places with similar names, such as Verlin in Germany, Verlins in France, and Wierlin in Poland. The name often originated as a topographic or locative name for someone who lived near a marshy area or clearing (wierze means marshy clearing in Polish). However, it's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and variations, so this is just one possible explanation for the name Werlin. To learn more about your specific family lineage, you may want to consult genealogical resources or contact a local genealogist or historical society.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Werlin
The meaning and origin of the last name Werlin
The surname Werlin is of German origin, derived from various place names throughout Germany, particularly in the Rhineland-Palatinate region. The name is thought to have been originally occupational, referring to a person who lived near or worked on a weir (a barrier in a river used for fishing or milling). The word "Werlin" can be traced back to the Old High German "weraloh," meaning "little weir." Over time, the name was adopted as a hereditary surname by those who lived near such places.
Geographical distribution of the last name Werlin
The surname Werlin is predominantly found in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Germany, Poland, and Russia. In Germany, it's most common in regions like Lower Saxony, Baden-Württemberg, and Bavaria. In Poland, it's concentrated in the southern part of the country, with a significant number of bearers in the Silesia region. In Russia, it's found primarily in the northwest, particularly in Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast. Smaller populations can also be found in other parts of Europe, North America, and Australia due to migration over the centuries.
Variants and spellings of the last name Werlin
The surname Werlin has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration, transcription, and the influence of regional dialects over time. Some of these variations include: Werlein, Warlin, Warling, Worlinson, Verlen, Verline, Vorlin, and Vorlinson. These variations may arise from slight misspellings or adaptations as families moved to different countries, assimilated into new cultures, or changed their names for various reasons. It is essential to note that while these variations share a common origin, they are distinct surnames in genealogical research.
Famous people with the last name Werlin
Notable individuals with the surname Werlin include:
1. Alan Werner Werlin (born 1948), an American rabbi and author who served as the spiritual leader of Temple Beth-El in Great Neck, New York.
2. David Werlin (born 1957), an American composer, pianist, and educator. He is a professor of music at Carleton College.
3. Jules Werlin (1869–1945), a French art historian and museum director who served as the director of the Musée du Louvre from 1927 to 1937.
4. Marvin Werline (born 1937), an American politician who served as a member of the South Dakota House of Representatives.
5. Max Werlin (1862–1940), a German-American architect known for designing several buildings in New York City, including the Washington Irving High School and the New York Public Library's 42nd Street Library.
6. Sam Werlin (born 1953), an American attorney who served as the Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice under President Bill Clinton.
Genealogical research on the last name Werlin
The Werlin surname is primarily of Jewish origin and is believed to have derived from various locations in Germany, particularly Werle, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where a noble family named von Werle resided during the Middle Ages. The name's Jewish variant may be associated with the town Werl in Westfalen, which had a significant Jewish community in medieval times. Early records show that Jewish families bearing the name Werlin migrated to Poland and Russia during the late 18th century due to religious persecution. Many descendants of these families later emigrated to the United States and other countries in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with notable concentrations in New York City and Chicago. Notable individuals with the Werlin surname include Benjamin Werlin, a noted American Jewish religious leader, and Max Werlein, a German-American violinist.
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