Surname Welter - Meaning and Origin

A Thrilling Voyage Into the Past: My iGENEA DNA Test Experience and the Welter Connection

Divulge into an exciting journey of self-discovery with the iGENEA DNA test. Learn about the eye-opening insights into the Welter surname and an incredible connection to many distant Welters.

I. Welter

Welter: What does the surname Welter mean?

The surname Welter is of German origin and it derives from the Middle High German term "wellen," which means "to roll" or "to wallow". It was habitually used as a nickname for a restless or turbulent person. Alternatively, it could have also been a metonymic occupational name for a roller in a mill or a fuller in a cloth mill. In old German, the term 'welther' or 'wälder' refer to a forest or a person who lives near a forest, so the surname could also refer to a person who lives near a wooded area. Like many surnames, the exact meaning can vary and oftentimes, it is tied to the occupational or geographical circumstances of the original bearer of the name.

Welter: Where does the name Welter come from?

The last name Welter is quite common in Europe, particularly in Germany. It is primarily a German surname, with roots in the German regions of Low Saxony and Westphalia.

The name itself is derived from the German words "welte" and "walte", which both mean "roll" or "wave". As such, the surname probably originated as a nickname for someone who was known for rolling the dice or playing games of chance.

In the modern day, Welter is the 15th most common surname in Germany. It has also spread further afield, with Welter families found in other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, its largest presence is still in Germany, and the surname is especially concentrated in the German states of Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, and North Rhine-Westphalia.

The Welter surname is also well-represented in other parts of Europe, particularly in France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Austria. There is also a large presence of Welters in some African countries, notably in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Africa.

In short, the surname Welter is still quite common throughout Europe and has spread to many parts of the world. It is most likely to be found in its homeland of Germany, while also having a significant presence in other European countries as well as in North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Welter

The surname Welter has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant is Walther, with minor variations in spelling (such as Walter and Wattler). This variant comes from the Old High German waltan, meaning to rule.

Welt, Welty, and Welte are other common variations, with Welt as a shortened form of Walther and the two ending variations being patronymic from the name. These come from the Middle High German welte, meaning someone living in a settlement or from the upper parts of a village.

Wälter is a less common variant, with Wälter originating from the Middle High German wälter, which is also from waltan.

Welter may also be an Americanized form of German Weltzer, which is from several German words meaning to enclose or protect (werzen, werden, and welfen).

Kalter is another variant, with Kalter coming from the East Prussian word kalt, meaning strong and brave.

Finally, Felter and Faeltzer may be variants of Welter, with Felter most likely coming from German Feld, meaning field and Faeltzer coming from the Old High German Felle, meaning felled, both of which are derived from Frankish words.

Famous people with the name Welter

• Christine Welter: Archaeologists and Associate Professor at California State University
• Justine Welter: Actress, writer and filmmaker
• Cyndi Welter: Professional tennis player
• Barbara Welter: Historian who specialized in the history of women in the 19th century
• Richard Welter: French singer-songwriter
• Helene Welter: Former German field hockey player
• Bobby Joe Welter: Former American football player
• Brigitte Welter: Swiss film producer
• Aurora Welter: Musician and composer
• Marco Welter: Swiss skier and former alpine-ski world cup racer
• Bill Welter: Former American athlete who competed in basketball, football, and track and field
• Evelyn L. Welter: Retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army
• Dr. Christian Welter: German cardiologist
• Rosie Welter: Social media influencer
• Mike Welter: American Football Linebacker

Other surnames

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