Last Name Wiemer

The last name "Wiemer" is of German origin. It is derived from a geographical name for someone who lived near a swampy or marshy area. The name originates from the Old High German word "wiemar," which means wet or marshy. Over time, this name has been spelled in various ways such as Wiemers, Weimer, and Wymer due to the regional variations in pronunciation and transliteration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wiemer

The meaning and origin of the last name Wiemer

The surname Wiemer is of German origin, derived from various placenames throughout Germany. One of the most prominent origins is from Wiemer, a small town in the Harz mountains of central Germany. The name is thought to have been originally associated with people who lived near or migrated from these places. It is composed of two elements: "Wie" meaning meadow, and "Mer(e)" which can mean border or a place where something merges. Over time, the surname Wiemer has become widely dispersed due to migration, particularly to the United States and Canada, where many bearers of this name now reside.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wiemer

The surname Wiemer is primarily found in Germany, particularly in the northwestern region of Lower Saxony and the northeastern state of Brandenburg, where it is most densely concentrated. Smaller populations can also be found in other German states such as Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Schleswig-Holstein. Outside of Germany, there are significant Wiemer communities in the United States, primarily in the Midwest and Northeast regions. The name is also present in smaller numbers in Canada, Switzerland, and Australia. In the United States, the highest concentrations of Wiemers can be found in states like Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and New York.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wiemer

The surname Wiemer has several variations and spellings. Some of these include Weimer, Weymer, Viemer, Weyemer, Veimer, and Wäumer. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, regional dialects, or transcribing errors over time. The name is believed to have originated from Germanic roots, with the elements "wi" meaning "wild" or "forest" and "mer" denoting "protection" or "border". Over the centuries, variations in the spelling of surnames due to migration, assimilation, and other factors led to these multiple spellings of Wiemer.

Famous people with the last name Wiemer

Notable individuals with the last name Wiemer include:

1. Lutz Wiemer (born 1949), a former professional basketball player who played for SC Rostock and the East Germany national team, and was a member of the 1972 Olympic silver medal-winning team.
2. Jens Wiemer (born 1968), a German former footballer who played as a defender for teams such as Eintracht Frankfurt, Tennis Borussia Berlin, and VfB Leipzig, among others.
3. Kai Wiemer (born 1972), a German composer and musician known for his work in electronic music, film scores, and sound installations.
4. Dana Wiemer (born 1986), an American professional basketball player who played for teams like the University of Tennessee and the Chicago Sky in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
5. Tilman Wiemer (born 1990), a German footballer who plays as a defender for FC Erzgebirge Aue and has represented Germany at various youth levels.
6. Marisa Wiemer, an American actress known for her roles in television shows such as "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "The Good Wife."

Genealogical research on the last name Wiemer

The surname Wiemer originates from Germany and is primarily associated with the regions of Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg. Historical records indicate that the name was first documented around the 14th century, with early variants such as Wimar, Vimer, and Weymar. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Godefried Wiemer, who lived in Saxony in the year 1378. The name is believed to be a topographic surname, originating from settlements near a "weir" or fish trap, or it could have derived from the personal name Wimo or Viemo. In the United States, the Wiemer family immigrated mainly in the 19th century, with significant concentrations found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Notable individuals with the surname include German politician Karl Wiemer, and American painter Charles Wieman.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Wiemer"
• 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

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