Last Name Wiss

The surname Wiss is of German origin. It is derived from a number of possible sources. 1. It may be an occupational name for a baker, from Middle High German "weizen," meaning wheat, and "sitz," meaning site or place. This would result in the surname Baker's Site or Wheat-Sitter. 2. Alternatively, it could originate from the Middle High German word "wis," meaning wise, knowledgeable, or learned, and functioned as a nickname for someone considered intelligent. 3. In some cases, it may also be a regional name, referring to someone who originated from the town of Weiss in Germany. The specific origins for any particular individual with the surname Wiss would depend on their family history and where they or their ancestors lived.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wiss

The meaning and origin of the last name Wiss

The surname Wiss is of German origin, derived from various places named Wiese or Wisse in Germany. The name translates to "meadow" or "pasture" in English, reflecting its geographical origin. Over time, the spelling has evolved, with variations such as Wies and Weis also found. Notable individuals bearing this surname include John Wiss, a German immigrant who settled in Pennsylvania in the 18th century, and Hans-Joachim Wiss, a prominent German engineer. The surname is now widespread across Germany and other countries where Germans have migrated.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wiss

The surname Wiss is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly Germany and Switzerland. It's also common among individuals of German descent in other countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, due to historical migration patterns. In Germany, it is most frequent in the northwestern states of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Baden-Württemberg, and Hessen, as well as in Bavaria. In Switzerland, the name Wiss is particularly concentrated in the canton of Aargau. In North America, there are high concentrations of individuals with the last name Wiss in areas settled by German immigrants, such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Texas, and Ontario.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wiss

The surname Wiss has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include: Wis, Wisse, Wyss, Wissman, Wiz, Wysse, Wize, Wisseman, Wysman, Wissing, Wissek, and Wissekerke. These variations can be found in various countries, such as Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United States, where names have been anglicized over generations. The root of this surname is believed to originate from the Old High German "wiso," meaning wise or knowledgeable. Additionally, some families bearing the name may have changed their spelling intentionally or unintentionally due to migration, cultural assimilation, or clerical errors in official records.

Famous people with the last name Wiss

Notable individuals with the surname Wiss include:

1. David M. Wiss, an American psychologist and professor emeritus at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, known for his research on memory and learning. He has published numerous articles and books on cognitive psychology.

2. Paul Wiss, a German actor who gained recognition for his roles in films such as "Inglourious Basterds" and "The Reader." His acting career spans over two decades, with notable performances in both German and international productions.

3. Lance Wiss, an American politician who served as a member of the New York State Assembly from 2006 to 2018. During his tenure, he was instrumental in passing legislation related to labor rights, healthcare, and environmental conservation.

4. Rory Wasserschlein-Wiss (born 2003), a Canadian ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft.

5. Elaine Wiss, an American author and activist who focuses on women's issues and mental health. She is a frequent contributor to various publications and has written several books, including "The Motherhood Myth: The Pressure You've Been Feeling Is Not Your Fault."

Genealogical research on the last name Wiss

The surname Wiss originates from Germany and is derived from the Old High German word "wis" meaning 'wise' or 'learned.' This name was originally an occupational name for a scholar, teacher, or clergyman. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the 13th century in various regions of Germany.

Over time, the Wiss family migrated to other parts of Europe and eventually to North America. In the 17th century, some members of the Wiss family settled in what is now the Netherlands before moving on to Pennsylvania in the late 1700s as part of the larger German immigration to the New World.

From Pennsylvania, branches of the Wiss family spread out across the United States, with notable concentrations in Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The descendants of these early immigrants have contributed significantly to various aspects of American society, including politics, education, and business.

Throughout its history, the Wiss surname has maintained a strong connection to its German roots while adapting to the cultural landscapes of multiple countries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Wiss"
• 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 : 16 August 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends