Surname Weland - Meaning and Origin
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Weland: What does the surname Weland mean?
The last name Weland is of German origin and is derived from the Old German name Weinhold. The translation of Weland means ‘to rule, to hold’ and originated in the area of present-day Bavaria in Germany. It is believed that the first known bearer of the name was a man named Wînhold who appears in a Bavarian land grant dated 1264. The surname has seen various forms throughout its history, including Weinhold, Winhold, Wieland, Wülland, and Wolland.
In modern times, Weland families remain in Germany, where the name is still fairly common. The surname is also present in the United States, Canada, and Australia, where it is likely to be used in an Anglicized form, such as Wolland or Wieland.
The name Weland appears to be associated with a strong work ethic; many of its bearers have achieved a certain level of success in fields such as law, medicine, business, and engineering. It is part of the larger group of surnames developed during the medieval era, connecting families by symbols of power and prosperity.
Today, the Weland surname is generally associated with positive traits such as leadership, ambition, and hard work, continuing to stand for a powerful legacy of drive and determination.
Order DNA origin analysisWeland: Where does the name Weland come from?
The last name Weland is typically found primarily in northern and central Europe today. It is a more common last name in some parts of the Nordic region, particularly in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. It is also commonly found in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, as well as in Austria, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein.
In Norway, Weland is the ninth most common surname, with approximately 26,000 people bearing it. In Sweden, it is the 89th most common surname. In Denmark, it is the 140th most common surname.
In the United States, the surname Weland is most commonly found among the Norwegian-American population. However, its presence is also growing among a few other immigrant populations, such as German-Americans. In America, Weland is the 14,193rd most common surname overall.
Weland is a patronymic surname, which suggests that it may have been derived from the Germanic given name Wieland. This in turn is a traditionally masculine name derived from Old High German Wiohlant, which means "army land" or "battlefield".
Variations of the surname Weland
The surname Weland is one of many different spelling variants and surnames of the same origin. Common variants include Welden, Wellen, Weldon, Welldon, Whelan, and Weilen. These variations of Weland all mean “one who lives in the affluent meadow” or “one who came from the meadow” depends on the region in which the surname first appears.
It is believed that the original Weland family first came from England, although there is also a German component to its origin, as well. In England, this surname is associated with Norman origins since it appears in records dating back to the 7th century. In Germany, it has its earliest recorded use dating back to the 16th century.
The origin of the surname is also believed to be related to the first name Weland or Veland, which also seems to have a Norman origin. The first name Weland may have been derived from the Old English and Old Norse words for “meadow” or “field”. It was also said to mean “fierce” in Old English.
Over the centuries, the spelling of the surname has been altered, through language and translation, to create many spelling variations. For example, Weland could have become Welden, Wellen, Weldon, Welldon, Whelan or Weilen in certain regions and records.
The surname's spelling variations are also seen in similar sounding surnames, such as Weldonne, Welldone, Weledon, Welldonne, Whelon, Welen, Welon, Whalen, Wellman, Wheldenng, Whelton, and Wheldon.
Famous people with the name Weland
- Zach Weland: Singer and songwriter from the US
- Carl Weland: 1920's-era Swedish athlete who won a bronze medal in the 1920 Summer Olympics
- Ingrid Weland: Swedish poet
- Leo Weland: American WWI veteran and politician from Nebraska
- Mariya Weland: Russian-born Swiss novelist and playwright
- Olof Weland: Swedish 19th century judge and politician
- Berthold Weland: German composer and music director of the 18th century who wrote choral and chamber music
- Curt Weland: Swedish actor and director of the late 1800's and early 1900's
- Sune Weland: 20th century Swedish actor and comedy performer
- David Weland: American illustrator and sculptor living in Texas