Surname Wiederkehr - Meaning and Origin

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Y. Wiederkehr

Wiederkehr: What does the surname Wiederkehr mean?

The last name Wiederkehr is likely of German or Swiss origin and is derived from the German word “wiederkehren” which means “to return.” The name likely first emerged in Ice Ages when migrating families went back to their home villages after several years. It is believed that the oldest ancestral home of the Wiederkehr family was in Vosges Hainaut, Belgium.

The Wiederkehr family originally made a living by cultivating their lands as farmers or shepherds. After many centuries other members of the family embraced diverse occupations ranging from politics to even the military. Over time some family members even found success in business ventures as they moved to countries such as the United States.

Today, Wiederkehr is a common surname in a variety of countries including Switzerland, Spain, Germany, Belgium, France, and the United States. It is still quite recognizable in many places and often associated with the stories of the brave families that once roamed the lands or bravely kept their lands amidst chaotic times.

In the end, the Wiederkehr family is not only a reminder of a resilient past but also an encouraging example of how a family’s history, legacy, and values can be passed from generation to generation.

Wiederkehr: Where does the name Wiederkehr come from?

The last name Wiederkehr is most commonly found today in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. In Switzerland, Wiederkehr is the 22nd most common last name, and can be found primarily in the canton of St. Gallen and the German-speaking regions. In Germany, the name is ranked 228th in the country, and is most prominent in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Bavaria. In Austria, the name is more spread out, and is especially prominent in the states of Burgenland, Lower Austria, and Styria.

The surname can also be found in other countries, especially those of German diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, and South America. In some cases, Wiederkehr may have given rise to variant spellings, such as Widderkehr, Weiderkehr, Widderker, Wiederkehr, or Widderkerr.

The name's etymology is derived from the Middle High German "widerkehren," meaning to return or to come back. It may have been adopted as a last name by families who returned to their home after completing pilgrimages or military campaigns. In other cases, it could have been given out of admiration for someone who became known for returning home often. Today, the name is likely linked to memories of ancestral homelands, and is often used as a sign of pride.

Variations of the surname Wiederkehr

The surname Wiederkehr has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Commonly spelled Wiederkehr, the surname is derived from the German word "wiederkehren” which means "to return." Widerkehr, Wiaderek, Wiaderk, Wiaterker, Wiederer, Wieder, Wiedman, Wiedmann, Wiedner, Wiedyk, and Wyderker are among the alternate spellings of Wiederkehr.

Other variations of Wiederkehr are Vidadar, Widerkar, Widerker, Widar, Widarcher, Widarck, Wiedarck, Wiedarcher, Wiederg, Wiedergr, Widek,Wiederk, Wiederka, Wiederkr, Widjerk, Wiedrman, and Widmar.

Different forms of the surname are also found in other languages, including Czech, Dutch, French, and Hungarian. Variations such as Wiederkerh, Wiederkehor, Wiederkihr and Wiederkihrer are found in areas such as Austria and the Czech Republic, while Vitharck, Vlteerkeer, Vltheerkeer, and Vltheerkeir are common in the Netherlands. In France, Wiederkeheur is a common form of the surname, and in Hungary, Weiderker is the most frequent variant.

The surname Wiederkehr is also found in English-speaking countries, with some anglicized forms, such as Whitecar, Widger, Wigger, and even Winegar. Despite the presence of these variated spellings, the surname Wiederkehr remains the most widely used spelling of the surname worldwide.

Famous people with the name Wiederkehr

• Dr. Mathis Wiederkehr: founding member of the International Commission for the Study of Radicalization and Political Violence.
• Luisa Wiederkehr: Swiss film director, producer, screenwriter, film editor, and teacher.
• Florian Wiederkehr: Swiss footballer, currently playing for Swiss Super League team FC Sion.
• Franz Wiederkehr: member of the Swiss National Council, representing the Canton of Aargau.
• Erwin Wiederkehr: German composer, organist, and songwriter.
• Edouard Wiederkehr: botanist and professor at the University of Basel.
• Karl Wiederkehr: Swiss politician and architect from Appenzell.
• Marianne Wiederkehr: German-American sculptor and printmaker.
• Christoph Wiederkehr: Swiss ice hockey player.
• Hans Wiederkehr: Swiss architect and painter.
• Leonard Wiederkehr: Swiss-German entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist.
• Stephan Wiederkehr: Swiss professional ski mountaineer from Steg.
• Artur Wiederkehr: Swiss politician and member of the Canton of Basel-Stadt's parliament.
• Julie Wiederkehr: Swiss cellist, composer, and teacher.
• Karen Wiederkehr: professional illustrator, writer, and textile artist.
• Hans Ludwig Wiederkehr: Swiss classical violinist and composer.
• Gebhard Wiederkehr: sculptor and painter from Switzerland.
• Konrad Wiederkehr: engineer and government employee from Switzerland.
• Karl-Albert Wiederkehr: book publisher from Switzerland.
• Severus Wiederkehr: Swiss businessman and philanthropist.

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