Surname Weiler - Meaning and Origin

The Journey to My Roots: The Surprising Impact of iGENEA DNA Test on My Perception of the Weiler Surname and My Heritage

Having undergone an iGENEA DNA test, I've experienced an unexpected transformation in my understanding of my personal identity and heritage. Above all, the profound insights about my surname 'Weiler' have reshaped my perspective on my historical roots and familial connections and have incited a renewed sense of pride and curiosity.

T. Weiler

Weiler: What does the surname Weiler mean?

The last name Weiler is of Germanic origins and is derived from the old German personal name ‘Weilhar’. The root of this name is ‘walha’, meaning ‘stranger’ or ‘foreigner’.

Weiler appears to have first appeared in the 12th and 13th centuries in what is now Germany. The first recorded mention of it is in 1275, when a Weilhar was recorded in the Monasticon Suevicum. It is now found throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

Weiler can take many forms, with variant spellings including Weiller, Weilor, Veiler, Wieler, Veeler, and Vailer.

The Weilers were originally peasant farmers, but many members of the family achieved fame or notoriety. One Weiler family played a significant role in the revolution of 1848 in Hesse and Baden. Other, more recent, Weilers have achieved success in many realms, ranging from politics to medicine, academics, art, and more.

From its humble beginnings, the Weiler name has spread throughout the world and come to represent many different versions of the original meaning - a ‘stranger’ or ‘foreigner’, but also someone who is strong and accomplished.

Weiler: Where does the name Weiler come from?

The last name Weiler is derived from the German word for "wheel-maker" and is most commonly found in Germany today. It is also relatively common in Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and France. In the United States the last name Weiler is ranked as the 1415th most common, with an estimated frequency of around 4 per 10,000 people. The highest concentrations of the last name are found in Wisconsin, Missouri, and Pennsylvania.

The origin of the Weiler name dates back to medieval Germany, where it was used as a nickname for a wheel-maker or cartwright. Over time, the name spread across Europe and eventually came to the United States with German immigrants in the 19th century.

The Weiler name is a tradition within many families, and many of them still proudly bear it today. If you are a Weiler you are part of a long line of wheel-makers and craftspeople who have been creating and innovating since the Middle Ages.

Variations of the surname Weiler

The surname Weiler is an old German name which derives from the Middle High German dialect word “Weil” meaning shelter or refuge. The name can be spelled in several variants such as Wayler, Weyler, Waillar, Weir, Woyler, Veyler, Veydeler, and Veydor.

The multiple spellings of the surname Weiler can also result in various different surnames. For example, Wailer, Wailor, Wiiller, Wuehler, Whealer, Wailers, Wiillers, and Wihlers are all surnames of the same origin.

In addition, the German frost suffix -er can be substituted with other endings, such as -ar or -el. Therefore, Weil can also be spelled Veyel, Wayel, Veyelar, Wayelar, and Veyeler or Wayeler. This will produce other surnames deriving from the original Weiler but with a slightly different spelling.

Furthermore, the surname Weiler is recorded in various countries since medieval times including Austria, France, Germany and Switzerland, so there is a possibility of finding foreign spellings of the same family name in France or Austria. There may also be different translations or adaptations of the family name as the family dispersed during immigration in the 19th century and the name was recorded in various languages.

In conclusion, the surname Weiler is an old German name with many variants and different spellings which can also develop into various surnames of the same origin. Most of these variations emerged due to the different spellings of Weil, the Middle High German word for shelter and refuge, while other variants derive from the language and immigration in which the family was documented in the past.

Famous people with the name Weiler

• Joe Weiler, a lawyer and author noted for writing briefs for the Supreme Court.
• Annet Weiler, Dutch politician currently serving as a Member of the European Parliament.
• Max Weiler, prominent Austrian painter and graphic artist.
• Marlies Weiler, Austrian Paralympic swimmer who has competed at multiple Paralympic Games.
• Gillian Weiler, Irish international athlete who has won several medals at the Paralympic Games.
• Anton Weiler, Austrian physicist and Nobel Prize laureate.
• Jean Weiler, German Nazi SS concentration camp guard who was convicted of war crimes.
• Aaron Weiler, American chess grandmaster and owner of Weiler Chess Academy.
• Rudy Weiler, Dutch professional golfer who represented the Netherlands at the Ryder Cup.
• Heinrich Weiler, German poet, journalist, and political activist in the 19th century.

Other surnames

Weilerswist