Surname Werlein - Meaning and Origin

Werlein: What does the surname Werlein mean?

The surname Werlein originated in the German language and is derived from the old Germanic given name Warin (or Weren), which was a short form of the ancient Germanic personal name Warinwig. The root word of the name Warinwig is 'war', which means 'defense' or 'protection'. This would indicate that the Werlein name may have once been a byname bestowed on an ancestor who was a defender or protector of some kind. It could also mean that the first ancestor to bear the name was a war leader or chief with considerable authority or influence.

The Werlein name has been recorded in Germany since the 13th century and was mainly found in Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden. As divisions of the Holy Roman Empire increased, the Werlein family name spread to Austria and other German states. In modern times, the name is still found mainly in the German-speaking areas of Europe, such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It is also found in other countries, such as the United States, Australia, Canada and South Africa, where descendants of people bearing the name have emigrated from many German regions.

Overall, Werlein is a traditional German name that is still being used today, and its intended meaning is clear: one who was once a defender or protector.

Werlein: Where does the name Werlein come from?

The last name Werlein is most commonly found in Germany today. In 2019, it was the 39th most common surname within Germany and was recorded as having over 65,000 individuals who shared it. This result was from a study of surnames which was conducted by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany.

The family name Werlein appears to have originally originated from southwest Germany. Specifically, it can be traced to the region of Swabia, located along the eastern area of the country. It is particularly prevalent in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg as well as the metropolitan city of Berlin. The surname is thought to have emerged from the early medieval-era name ‘Werilo’ which belonged to an ancestral family of the same name.

Many of the modern individuals who carry this surname today are descendents of the original family who arose from the west of Germany. Evidence suggests that, as the population increased, it then split up and spread throughout the country. As such, it is still most regularly found in its birthplace in the southwest, but it has now spread north and east across Germany.

Other locations in which the surname Werlein can be found include the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, and France. This is likely due to many of the citizens of West Germany emigrating around the world throughout the 20th century. Whilst the name is still most regularly found in its birthplace, the population bearing the name is now spread far more widely across the globe.

Variations of the surname Werlein

The surname Werlein is a German surname deriving from the middle high German word ‘wer,' which translates to ‘man’ or ‘defender’ in English. Thus, the surname Werlein signifies ‘the man’ or ‘defender’. Variants and spellings of this surname include Wuerlein, Wierle, Wierlin, Werlien, Verlein, Verlin, Verlien, Verlayn, and Werlie.

Wuerlein is the standard German spelling for this surname. It is derived from the German ‘w’ sound, which is represented by the ‘ue’ instead of the usual English ‘w.’ Wierle is another variant spelling for the surname that is more commonly found in some areas of Germany. Wierlin and Werlien are also derived from the common German ‘w’ sound.

Verlein, Verlin, Verlien, and Verlayn are all derived from the German ‘v’ sound, which is pronounced more like the English ‘f’ rather than the typical English ‘v’ sound. Werlie is the English spelling of the surname.

Surnames of the same origin as Werlein include Wicks, Wickham, and Welton. Wicks is derived from the Old English wicmaer, meaning ‘dweller in a house.’ Wickham is derived from the Old English wiccehaem, meaning ‘dweller in a special homestead.’ Welton is derived from the Old English wella tun, meaning ‘dweller in a spring-fed place.’ I

Famous people with the name Werlein

• Edward Werlein Jr.: Prominent New Orleans attorney and Chairman of the Louisiana State Gaming Control Board from 2013 to 2016
• John C. Werlein Sr.: New Orleans banking industry pioneer and Past President and Chairman of The First National Bank of New Orleans
• Richard Werlein: Louisiana Supreme Court Justice and thought leader in legal and public policy matters in Louisiana and abroad
• Joseph Werlein: Prominent 19th Century New Orleans publisher and opera house owner
• John R. Werlein Jr.: Decorated World War II veteran and Medal of Honor recipient for heroism in battle
• John J. Werlein Jr.: Educator and civic leader who served as Louisiana’s Superintendent of Schools from 1908 to 1932
• Jules B. Werlein: Prominent 19th Century New Orleans businessman, banker and philanthropist
• Eugene M. Werlein Jr.: Noted inventor and founder of the Werlein Manufacturing Company
• Mary Werlein: Notable 19th Century New Orleans socialite and philanthropist
• Harry Werlein: Long-time and respected President of Werlein Manufacturing Company

Other surnames

WerleWerley