Surname Weishuhn - Meaning and Origin
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Weishuhn: What does the surname Weishuhn mean?
The last name Weishuhn is of German origin. It is derived from the personal name “Wishus”, which is a shortened form of the German name Wiselsen. Wiselsen was a variant of the German word “Wisseland”, meaning “open land” or wide space. This likely referred to meadow or pasture land, likely a reference to the agricultural nature of the area where the surname originated. Over time, Wisseland eventually evolved into the modern spelling of Weishuhn.
Weishuhn is one of many variations of the German name Wisseland, which can be traced back to 15th century Germany and beyond. The earliest recorded mention of this name was in 1430, when a Wilhelm Wisseland was documented in the Silesian province of Saxony. In the 17th century, a number of Weishuhn families arrived in North America, where their name acquired a new spelling thanks to immigration officials and scribes.
Weishuhn is an Ashkenazi Jewish surname, which is still common among those of German Jewish heritage. The name has spread around the world over the centuries, with families carrying the name having branches in Germany, the United States, South Africa, Australia, and elsewhere. In modern times, the name Weishuhn still carries an agricultural meaning, as relatives of the name can be found in and outside of Germany, continuing to farm the land with the same sense of dedication and pride they had generations ago.
Order DNA origin analysisWeishuhn: Where does the name Weishuhn come from?
The last name Weishuhn is most commonly found in Germany. It is one of many German surnames deriving from the Old High German given name Wisihun, which means "warrior of good will" or "brave and loyal defender." Records suggest Weishuhn has been present in Germany since 1260.
Today, the last name Weishuhn is especially prominent in lower Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Census records from 1918-1933 show that most Weishuhns were farmers, many of whom lived and worked in the heavily industrialized cities and towns of the Ruhr. By 1962, the most prevalent occupation for Weishuhns had become "professional", likely because of the industrialization of the area.
Weishuhn remains a relatively uncommon surname today, with fewer than 5,000 bearers worldwide. The United States is the country with the second-highest concentration of the name; most Weishuhns living in the U.S. today are the descendants of German emigrants who went to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in search of a better life.
Though Weishuhn is not particularly common, the name has a long and fascinating history. It is likely to remain a part of the German cultural landscape in some form for many years to come.
Variations of the surname Weishuhn
Weishuhn is a German surname that originated as an occupational name relating to the blacksmith trade. It is derived from the Middle High German ‘viessunne’, meaning 'ironworker'.
The most common variants of the Weishuhn surname are ‘Weischnau’ and ‘Weischaun’, often spelled without the ‘h’. Other spelling variants include ‘Weishon’, ‘Weishun’, ‘Weischon’, ‘Wishon’ and ‘Wishaun’.
Similar surnames with different origins, such as Wigshorn, derived from the German-derived wichern (meaning 'willow') are occasionally confused with Weishuhn.
Surnames with the same origin, such as Weichman, Weisker, Weiskopf and Weisend, are more distantly related. All of these surnames have similar variant spellings, including ‘Wiechmann’, ‘Weiskauf’, ‘Weiskopf’, and ‘Weisend’.
Weishuhn is also frequently found in other parts of the world, such as the USA, Australia, Canada, France, and the Netherlands. In America, this surname is sometimes changed to the more anglicized spelling ‘Vishon’ or ‘Veeshaun’.
It is estimated that about 5,000 people in the world currently bear the surname Weishuhn.
Famous people with the name Weishuhn
- Dr. Jason Weishuhn, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service wildlife specialist
- David Weishuhn, award-winning screenwriter, director, and producer
- Joan Weishuhn, former president of the National Association of Women Judges
- Cal Weishuhn, Major League Baseball pitcher
- Joyce Weishuhn, Glamour magazine "Woman of the Year" awardee
- Cara Weishuhn, Missouri Valley Women's Basketball Commissioner
- Michael Weishuhn, Emmy Award-winning television producer
- Martha Weishuhn, musician and composer
- Sue Weishuhn, former principal dancer for the Grand Rapids Ballet Company
- Bill Weishuhn, retired CEO of Creighton Construction
- Matt Weishuhn, Professional Baseball Player
- Robb Weishuhn, international bestselling illustrator
- Dan Weishuhn, former Vice Chairman of the conservative Christian Coalition
- Justine Weishuhn, founder of the award-winning media and social impact firm Creative Evolution
- Edith Weishuhn, founder of the Society for Garden Designers in the Netherlands