Surname Weichhold - Meaning and Origin

Weichhold: What does the surname Weichhold mean?

The last name Weichhold is of German origin and is derived from two words "weich" which translates to soft and “hold” which translates to “a holder” or “protector”. Combined, the words together literally mean “a soft holder” or “protector”.

The Weichhold surname is derived from the German word “weichhold” which was initially used to describe people who were responsible for keeping and protecting goods and resources. This was especially important in the Middle Ages, when protection from the elements was essential for keeping goods in a safe and secure state.

In addition to being used as a surname, Weichhold is popularly recognized as an occupational name. A person with the Weichhold surname is likely to have been an occupier of a protective or guardian role in some form. This could have been in the form of a bodyguard, a guard for a castle, a commander of a fleet, or any other form of protective role in ancient times.

Today, Weichhold is used as both a given name and a surname. Those bearing the Weichhold surname tend to be found in both Germany and the surrounding states where versions of the surname have been adopted by other countries. The name Weichhold is still seen often today, continuing the tradition of protecting, safeguarding, and maintaining.

Weichhold: Where does the name Weichhold come from?

Weichhold is a German surname originating from the region in Bavaria known as the Old Bavarian. Today, the surname is mostly found around western Germany, Austria, and Czechia, with a smaller presence in Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, and the United States.

Because German surnames tend to stay localized around their region of origin, Weichhold is most common in Bavaria and other parts of southwestern Germany. In the United States, Weichhold is most commonly found in major cities such as New York and Chicago.

The origin of the name Weichhold is quite intriguing. It is believed to have come from the phrase ‘weich holt’, which translates to ‘soft holder’. Historians have speculated that this phrase may have been used to reference the strength or resilience of the members of the Weichhold family. Alternatively, it could also be derived from the more literal translation of ‘soft wood’, hinting at a profession related to the use of wood.

Whatever the origin of the name, the Weichhold surname is still relatively common today and can even be found in the United States. Those with the Weichhold name are believed to be proud, resilient, and hardworking, which reflects the origin of their surname well.

Variations of the surname Weichhold

Weichhold is a German surname derived from the word weich, which means soft. Its variants include Wychhold, Weychold, Wechhold, Wichhold, Weicheld, Wychold, Wycholdt, Weicholdt, Weycholt, Weicholt, Wicholt and Veycholt.

The surname has roots in the districts of Bavaria, Upper Lusatia and Saxony. It is also found in Austria and the Czech Republic. Historically, it was used to denote a person who obtained or owned land. It was derived from the words weich and holt, meaning ‘soft wood’.

In its earliest forms, the surname was spelled as Weichholdt, and evolved over time. Records from 1544 in Germany, reveal the presence of a Wicholt Weichhold living in Sachsenzungen. Additionally, a person named ‘Wicholt Weychhold’ appears in a tax report of 1549.

In some cases, the surname may also be found as an anglicised version such as Wychhol, Wychole or Wardholl. It can also be found as a combination surname, such as Weychhold-Koch and Weichhold-Lensch.

In the United States, the locality of Weichhold was named after Lawrence Weichel, a German immigrant who arrived in the county in the 19th century.

Famous people with the name Weichhold

• Barry Weichhold: American real estate developer who founded EquityCor, LLC, a private real estate development and investment company.
• Dean Weichhold: American session bassist who has collaborated with hundreds of top recording artists.
• John Weichhold: American musician known for his role as the original keyboard player of the 1980s reggae group Black Uhuru.
• Mary Weichhold: American human rights activist, advocate for victims of human trafficking, and minister.
• Meagan Weichhold: Award-winning editor of documentaries and short films for Netflix, HBO, National Geographic, and other organizations.
• Paul Weichhold: German-born British businessman who is currently the Chairman of the British Business Federation.
• Robert Weichhold: German football player who has played for 9 combatant clubs, and has since gone on to become a coach.
• Sylvia Weichhold: German fashion designer who produces furniture, clothing, (glassware), lighting, wallpaper, and accessories.
• Ursula Weichhold: German photographer and museum director who has served as the director of the Berlinische Galerie Museum since 2011.

Other surnames

Weichholdt