Surname Wehrlich - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Wehrlich: What does the surname Wehrlich mean?
The last name Wehrlich is of German origin and is derived from the German word “wehr” meaning “defense.” This surname is believed to have been given to someone who was a protector or defender of people or property during the medieval times.
In German, the word Wehrlich is often used to refer to someone who is brave or valiant. It is also the German version of a common English surname, Worthley.
Wehrlich is a common German surname. It can be found in records as far back as the 13th century. Wehrlich families were some of the earliest settlers of the areas that are now known as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and were prominent in many other areas of Central Europe.
Most Wehrlichs in the United States are descendants of German-speaking immigrants who came to North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Today, Wehrlich can be found throughout the world. As the name has spread beyond its original homeland, its meaning has generally been preserved as a proud and heroic one. It is likely the bearer of this name is a leader who is brave, strong and determined.
Order DNA origin analysisWehrlich: Where does the name Wehrlich come from?
The last name Wehrlich is a German surname, and is still relatively common in Germany today. It is also present in various European countries, such as Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland. In addition, it is also present in other parts of the world such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
In the United States, Wehrlich is not especially common but still present in several states, including Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Wisconsin, and California.
In general, the last name Wehrlich is thought to have originated from the German words wehren and lich, meaning ‘defense’ and ‘like’ respectively. Thus, the name can be interpreted to mean ‘one who is capable of defending oneself’. The surname may have been adopted by individuals who were well-suited for protection or defense, or by those with a special aptitude for leadership.
Wehrlich is also sometimes seen spelled as Wehrlick, Wehrlich, Wierlich, Wierlich, Wehrles or Wierles. As such, it can be assumed that individuals with this surname were likely to have had an ancestral connection to a similar surname, such as Warlich or Werlich.
Given its origins and availability across several countries, it is likely that the last name Wehrlich will continue to be around for generations to come.
Variations of the surname Wehrlich
The surname Wehrlich originates from the German-language adjective “wehrlich” meaning “defensive” or “armed”. As such, the surname may have been adopted by a soldier or warrior in the distant past.
Common variants and spellings of the surname include Werlich, Virly, Vierly, Wehrly, Wirly, Werle, Virle, Vierle, Wehrle, Wirle, Wohrle, Wohrlich, Werlick, Virlick, Vierlick, Wehrlick, Wirlick, and Wohrlick.
Surnames of the same origin include Vehrley, Wehrleen, Wehry, Wehrlin, Werleen, and Werline. Wehrley and Wehrlich are often used interchangeably.
The Wehrlich surname can be found in Germany, as well as parts of Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. The surname is likely to have spread to the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with immigrants from these countries.
Wehrlich is an uncommon name, however it is not unique in North America. There are numerous individuals with the surname living in the United States and Canada, often with slightly different spellings and variants.
Famous people with the name Wehrlich
- Bruce Wehrlich: Former Sports journalist and anchorman for ESPN and ABC Sports. 2.][Paul Wehrlich. Former Systems Biology Professor at the University of Edinburgh.
- Dieter Wehrlich. German Professional Footballer who played for Borussia Mönchengladbach.
- Sylvia Wehrlich. German Olympic Synchronized Swimmer who competed in the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics.
- Robert Wehrlich. American Self-Help and Motivational Speaker.
- Baron Wehrlich. Rudger von Wehrlich (1724-1797), a Prussian Lieutenant General.
- Volker Wehrlich. German Pianist and Composer.
- Samuel Wehrlich. German Surgeon who served as professor from 1870 to 1903 at the University of Zurich.
- Julian Wehrlich. Swiss Economist and Mediator.
- Christian Wehrlich. German Businessman and Advertising Executive.