Surname Winterberger - Meaning and Origin

Winterberger: What does the surname Winterberger mean?

The last name Winterberger is of German origin though it is also found in Austria and Switzerland. It is derived from the Middle High German winterbern which translates to "winter mountain." The surname is likely derived from a geographic feature, specifically a mountain near where the original bearer of the name once lived.

The surname is most commonly found in the German-speaking regions of Austria and Switzerland, with some people bearing the name hailing from other parts of Germany. It is likely a relatively old name, as it was in existence in the 13th century when its derivation was recorded in official documents.

Winterberger is a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from the father's given name. It is derived from the name Winther or Winter, a given name of Germanic origin, which is derived from the Old High German word winstar meaning “winter” or from wini meaning “slaughter.”

Regardless of its origin, the last name Winterberger is a wonderful reminder of German family history and heritage. For those with this surname, it carry a reminder to honor the past, celebrate the present and look to the future with hope.

Winterberger: Where does the name Winterberger come from?

Winterberger is a surname of German origin, and is most commonly found in Germany today. It began as a patronymic name, derived from the first name of a father, "Wintli" or "Windele". This surname is most prevalent in the southern region of Germany, around the Bavarian states. It can also be found in the neighboring countries of Austria, Switzerland, and France.

There is a significant presence of German immigrants to the United States, and thus the Winterberger name can also be seen in North America. On record, the earliest appearance of this surname dates back to 1750. Records have shown that individuals by the name Winterberger have lived in the states of Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. As German names are very similar, it's possible that some individuals in the United States with the last name Winterberger could have had their surname changed upon immigrating to the country. In the United Kingdom, there are also small numbers of people with the name Winterberger.

In summary, the Winterberger last name can be found predominately in Germany, with smaller numbers in its surrounding countries and the United States. Additionally, some smaller numbers of individuals with this surname can also be found in the United Kingdom.

Variations of the surname Winterberger

The surname Winterberger (or Winterberger) is of German origin. It may be spelled as Winterberger, Winterberg, Winterbergen, Wienerberger, Vinterberger, Vinterberg, Vinterbergen, Weynerberger, Weynerberg, Weynerbergen, Weanerberger, Weanerberg, Weanerbergen, Wainberger, Wainberg, Wainbergen, Wainerberger, Wainerberg, Wainerbergen, and Winerberger.

The exact meaning of this surname is uncertain; however, it may have originated from a place-name. One possible derivation of the name could be a combination of the German words ‘wint’, meaning ‘winter’, and ‘berg’, meaning ‘mountain’ or ‘hill’. Thus, the literal meaning of the surname could be ‘mountain of the winter’, likely referring to a geographical feature. Alternatively, the meaning could refer to a place where a winter market is held.

The Winterberger surname is relatively uncommon, but it has been found primarily in the area of southern Germany. In particular, it has been found in the region of Northern Hesse and in the Bavarian towns of Regensburg and Nuremberg.

Variants of this surname can be found in many countries, with varying spellings. Variants can also be found in French (Vinterberge, Vinternbergen, Vainberg), Dutch (Vinterberg, Wainberg, Weanerberg), and English (Vinterbergs, Wainbergs, Winberger). In other countries, the surnames may be altered through regional influences or language exchanges. For example, in Croatia, variants of the surname include Vinterberg, Vinterberger, Vinterbergen, and Winerberg, while in Sweden it can be found as Vinterberg, Vinterberger, and Vinterbergen.

In brief, the surname Winterberger is derived from German, and variants can be found in many countries, with spellings often altered due to regional influences or language exchanges.

Famous people with the name Winterberger

• Thomas Winterberger: Austrian volleyball player.
• Colt Winterberger: American singer-songwriter.
• Stephan Winterberger: Swiss football goalkeeper.
• Salome Winterberger: Swiss Paralympic sports shooter.
• Maurice Winterberger: German figure skater.
• Franz Winterberger: Swiss geologist.
• Paul Winterberger: American professor and nutritionist.
• Fritz Winterberger: Swiss footballer.
• Hubert Winterberger: Swiss skier.
• Ulrich Winterberger: German actor.

Other surnames

Winterberg

Comments or additions to the name "Winterberger"

12.02.2024
I was born when my father's surname was Winterberger, derived from his ancestral family living in Alsace, France. I have gone back to a farmer, Martin Winterberger, in Alsace, executed by guillotine during the 2nd French Revolution, in rebellion to Napoleon. His son, Martin, was then 4 years old. When grown, Martin, his wife, and three sons with their families, took to sea to travel to America, setting in southern Illinois. His daughters, and their families remained in France. When I was born, my surname was Winterberger, but my father, serving in WWII in the Navy Seabees in Asia/China and my mother, in 1944 to change our surname to Winters, so my brother was born a Winters. Some of the Winterberger clan scattered throughout Illinois and beyond .. from Alaska to the East Coast, have modified the Winterberger name to Winterberg, as well. Just thought it would be interesting for you to know.