Surname Wernli - Meaning and Origin

Unravelling My Identity: The Story of the Wernli Surname Through iGENEA DNA Test

Influenced by the iGENEA DNA test, my view on personal identity and heritage has transformed. It wasn't just a test, it was a historical journey that enlightened me about my roots and the underpinnings of my surname, Wernli. It stirred a deeper comprehension of my existence and a sense of connection to my ancestors.

N. Wernli

Wernli: What does the surname Wernli mean?

Wernli is a Swiss surname that originates from the canton of Bern. The name itself comes from the German word "Wer" meaning "man", and "Anleihe" meaning "pledge" or "trust". This suggests that those who bore the name Wernli were ancestors who were known for being trustworthy and reliable—thus earning them the surname.

The earliest known record of the Wernli family is from 1608, when Hans Wernli was born in Köniz, Bern. Since then, the surname is most frequently found in the canton of Bern, especially the lesser known municipality of Toffen. While there is no direct evidence linking the Wernli family to Toffen, some believe that the family moved there after fleeing from religious persecution during the Reformation period in the 16th century.

Today, the surname Wernli is not as common as it once was. However, members of the family are present in Switzerland and around the world. The Wernli family are still known for their honesty and loyalty, and are also associated with a number of successful businesses.

Overall, the Wernli surname stands for loyalty, honesty, strength, and independence. These values are still practiced and upheld by present-day members of the Wernli family, many of whom still live in the canton of Bern.

Wernli: Where does the name Wernli come from?

The last name Wernli is most commonly found in German-speaking countries such as Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. Wernli is also present in the United States, mostly among the descendants of Swiss and German immigrants. Records indicate that the name spread to America as early as the mid-1800s.

The first recorded spelling of the family name was in Switzerland in 1674 with the marriage of Hans Wernli. Later, in 1712, the name was recorded in the Swiss village of Lotwill. To this day, the Wernli family remains rooted in Switzerland, with the largest concentration of Wernli families living in the modern cantons of Zürich, Basel and Bern. Elsewhere in Switzerland, the name is found in other cantons including Glarus, Aargau, and St. Gallen.

In the United States, the highest concentrations of Wernlis are in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. These are areas with high populations of Swiss and German immigrants. Elsewhere, Wernlis can be found in California, New Jersey, and Texas. The population of Wernlis in the US is relatively small compared to other countries, numbering only around one thousand.

Today, the Wernli surname continues to remain popular among descendants of Swiss and German families in different parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Wernli

The surname Wernli is part of an ancient Swiss and German line. It was most likely derived from the German word Warnung, which means warning or caution. The variant spellings of the surname Wernli are Wernly, Wernlie, Wernlye, and Wernlyer.

The Wernli surname is sometimes spelled without the 'i', so Wernel, Wernel, Wernelle, and Wernelle are all interchangeable with the more grammatically proper Wernli. It is noteworthy that in South America the spelling 'Wernly' is also common.

The surnames Vergleichen, Vernerlich, Wernelt, Wernländer, Wernle, Wernli, Wernlitz, Vernle, Wernleit, Wernliat, and Wernliut are all related. The Wernli surname can also be found in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands where the spelling is often 'Wernley'. In France, it is spelled 'Wernelée.' In the United States, it is often spelled 'Wernley' or 'Wernle.'

The Wernli surname has been in existence for several centuries, and it was primarily found in Switzerland, Germany, and neighboring countries. This indicates that the surname was likely used by several different families over the centuries. There are many local variations of the surname, but all are thought to be rooted in the German origin of the name.

Famous people with the name Wernli

• Karin Wernli: a Swiss retired Alpine skier
• David Wernli: an American ten-pin bowler
• Hanny Wernli: a Swiss sprint canoer
• Caroline Wernli: a Swiss Paralympic swimmer
• Meinrad Wernli: a Swiss politician
• Yvonne Wernli-Bodenmann: a Swiss mathematician
• Ralf Wernli: a German football coach
• Ueli Wernli: a Swiss football player
• Elsbeth Wernli-Reich: a Swiss actress
• Erika Wernli: a Swiss figure skater

Other surnames

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