Weis History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe surname Weis is a Bavarian nickname surname. German nicknames came from eke-names, or added names, and tended to describe a physical characteristic or other attribute of their initial bearer. Weis is a name for a person who had a pale complexion or fair colored hair. The surname Weis was derived from the German word weises, which meant white. Early Origins of the Weis familyThe surname Weis was first found in Bavaria, where the name gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society. It later became more prominent as many branches of the same house acquired distant estates and branches, some in foreign countries, always elevating their social status by their great contributions to society. Chronicles first mention Nicolaus Weiser of Iglau in Bohemia in 1378. Early History of the Weis familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Weis research. Another 180 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1642, 1662, 1696, 1708, 1709, 1746, 1760, 1798, 1810, 1830, 1840, 1841, 1842, 1844, 1852 and 1867 are included under the topic Early Weis History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Weis Spelling VariationsMany cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Weis include Weise, Weis, Weiser, Wise and others. Early Notables of the Weis familyProminent among members of the name Weis in this period include
Weis RankingIn the United States, the name Weis is the 4,211st most popular surname with an estimated 7,461 people with that name. 1
European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Weiss to arrive in North America, and among them were: Weis Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Weis Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
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