Last Name Wiering

The surname Wiering is of Dutch origin and comes from a place named "Wieringen," an island in the Netherlands that was separated from the mainland by the former Zuiderzee (now IJsselmeer). The name of the island is derived from "wier" which means "rush" or "reed." Over time, people who lived on or were from Wieringen adopted this place name as their family surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wiering

The meaning and origin of the last name Wiering

The surname Wiering is of Dutch origin, derived from various locations in the Netherlands that bear the same name. The placename "Wiering" is thought to be a topographical name for someone who lived near a marsh or wet area, as it comes from the Old Dutch word "wiering," meaning marshy land or wet meadow. It may also have been an occupational name for a waterman or fisherman, given that 'wier' in Dutch means 'stake' or 'pile,' possibly referring to equipment used in fishing or boat building. The surname Wiering has various spellings and is found in different forms across Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and Germany, due to immigration and name variations over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wiering

The surname Wiering is primarily concentrated in the Netherlands, where it originates. It is most frequently found in the provinces of Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe, reflecting its historical roots in the northern regions of the country. Outside the Netherlands, the name has been traced to a few locations in Germany, particularly in the northwestern region bordering the Netherlands. Additionally, there are small numbers of Wierings in other countries with Dutch diaspora communities, such as Belgium, South Africa, Australia, and the United States. The distribution of the name generally reflects historical migration patterns from the Netherlands, particularly during the 17th century when many Dutch settlers emigrated to other parts of Europe and beyond.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wiering

The surname Wiering has several variations and spellings due to different transcription conventions over time and across regions. Some common variations include: Weiring, Wieringen, Wiereing, Weyring, Veering, and Wijering. These variations might stem from slight differences in pronunciation or spelling changes during historical migration events. In Dutch-speaking areas, the name is most commonly pronounced as "Vay-ring," with a long 'a' sound followed by a short 'e.' In English-speaking regions, it may be pronounced as "Wy-er-ing." However, these pronunciations can vary depending on individual speakers and regional dialects.

Famous people with the last name Wiering

Notable individuals with the surname Wiering include:

1. Peter Wieringa (born 1946), Dutch anthropologist and sociologist known for his work on ethnicity, migration, and globalization. He is currently professor emeritus at the University of Amsterdam.

2. Kiki Wieringa (born 1958), a Dutch author who has written several books, including "The Hare with Amber Eyes" and "Five Hundred Years Memories." Her work often explores themes related to family history and art collections.

3. Martijn Wiering (born 1967), a Dutch politician who served as the mayor of Zoetermeer from 2018 to 2022. Prior to that, he held various roles within the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) party.

4. Renske Wieringa (born 1975), a Dutch actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows since the late 1990s. Some of her notable roles include "Zus & Zo" and "Fleur."

5. Jeroen Wiering (born 1982), a Dutch musician, producer, and DJ known for his work in the electronic music scene under the alias Dirtchamber Sandwich. He has released multiple albums and remixes.

Genealogical research on the last name Wiering

The surname Wiering originates from the Netherlands and is primarily found in the provinces of Groningen and Friesland. Its earliest known occurrence dates back to the 16th century, with records showing Herman Wiering born in 1574 in Groningen. The name is believed to be a topographic surname, derived from the Old Dutch word "wier" meaning "marshy area" or "willow thicket." Over the centuries, various spelling variations have appeared due to differences in transcription and transliteration, including Wieringen, Weiring, and Weerink. The Wiering family migrated to North America during the 19th century, with many settling in Ontario, Canada, while others moved to Michigan and Minnesota in the United States. Today, descendants of the Wiering family can be found worldwide, with significant populations still residing in the Netherlands, Canada, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "wiering"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends