Surname Wälder - Meaning and Origin
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Exploring my ancestry using the iGENEA DNA Test has significantly reshaped my understanding and personal perception of our family name, Wälder. The realizations gained from the test have not only changed my view of our surname’s historical origins but also deepened my understanding of our intricate family identity.
Z. Wälder
read moreWälder: What does the surname Wälder mean?
The last name Wälder is a German name that means "forest dweller". It was most likely taken from a family of farmers or hunters who lived and worked in the woodlands. The name could also be derived from a person's occupation; for example, someone who was a gamekeeper or a forester.
In medieval times, the Wälder family was likely to be found scattered throughout the forests of Europe. They were most likely involved in activities such as hunting, charcoal burning, and logging, which were paramount for sustaining the local economy. The name is a testament to the hardworking and resourceful spirit of these forebears.
Today, the name Wälder still enjoys some popularity in Germany as well as other European countries. It is also seen among immigrants of German ancestry in the United States and Canada. The name continues to evoke images of an earlier, more resourceful, and adventurous time.
The Wälder family has a proud legacy that has been passed down for generations. They are a reminder that, throughout the generations, hard work and the ability to survive and thrive in the face of tribulations have been a hallmark of the German people.
Order DNA origin analysisWälder: Where does the name Wälder come from?
The last name Wälder is most commonly found in Austria and Germany today. Although it is primarily found in these countries, it is not exclusive to them as it is also found in other parts of Central and Eastern Europe.
In Austria, Wälder can be found all over the country, but the highest concentrations are in Lower Austria, Transdanubia, and particularly near the city of Vienna. It is also relatively common in some of the smaller cities such as Graz and Klagenfurt.
In Germany, Wälder is more common in the northern and western half of the country. This is particularly so in the states of Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, and Saarland. In Bavaria, it is more frequent in the west and south of the state.
The Wälder family name has been linked with many occupations in the past. In Austria, it is historically associated with forestry and loggers, while in Germany, Wälder is often linked with carpentry.
Today, due to the history of migration, the Wälder family name can be found throughout the world. It is most commonly associated with German and Austrian heritage, however, particularly since the 19th century.
Variations of the surname Wälder
The surname Wälder is an occupational surname of German origin. It is derived from the word ‘wälden’, which is the German verb for ‘foresting’. The spelling variants of Wälder include Waeder, Waedder, Waeyder, Waidler, Waller, and Waender. This surname is also sometimes spelled as Valle, Welder, or Walder. An alternate spelling of this surname is Waelders.
The surnames Walden and Wälden are also associated with this surname, as they originate from the same German verb 'wälden'. They are also frequently found in areas with a heavy German-speaking population. Other variants of the surname Wälder include Van der Welder, Van Waassoord, Waelders, Waele, Voigtländer, Weyland, and tho Waerden. The surnames Weltzien and Weltz are also related to Wälder, as the words 'Welt' and 'Wäld' closely resemble one another in meaning in the German language.
Throughout Europe, and particularly in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, the surname Wälder is commonly found. It is particularly common among families who have resided in their ancestral homelands for generations. In history books, the surname Wälder often appears as a title given to sheriffs, mayors, and other public officials or elders of the community.
The surname Wälder is quite rare outside of its ancestral homelands. However, it is possible to find occurrences of this surname in English, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, and some other languages. As with other common surnames, the spelling of Wälder is often manipulated to suit particular alphabets or languages, such as in the transformation of Wälder into Waelder when English is used.
Famous people with the name Wälder
- Emma Wälder: German singer and songwriter.
- Ronald Wälder: Austrian psychic and astrologer, who wrote many books about astrotology and philosophy and is known as a teacher and mentor in New Age and esoteric circles.
- Annette Wälder: Austrian painter, primarily using water colours, acrylic paints and oil.
- Jörg Wälder: German entrepreneur and the current CEO of Jungheinrich AG.
- Edgar Wälder: Austrian cultural anthropologist who has written many books and studies about Balinese and Javanese culture.
- Günther Wälder: German physicist and mathematician, known for his work in mechanics, theories of relativity and quantum mechanics.
- Walter Wälder: Swiss painter, sculptor, art historian and architect active in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
- Clemens Wälder: Austrian chemist known for his work on chemical and physical techniques for the synthesis and characterization of particles.
- Linde Wälder: German actress who rose to fame after appearing in the television series 'Unter uns' and 'Verbotene Liebe'.
- Rolf Wälder: German-Canadian dance artist, teacher and scholar, profile of modern and contemporary dance.