Surname Weltch - Meaning and Origin
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Weltch: What does the surname Weltch mean?
The surname Weltch has its origins in Northern Europe, more specifically in Germany and Austria. The name is believed to be derived from the Middle High German word “welt,” meaning “world”. As a result, the surname likely originated as an occupational name for someone who borrowed money or as a nickname for a wealthy person. It is also possible that the last name was originally given to individuals who were members of the cloth-making trade, as “welt” can also mean “border” or “weave”.
Throughout the centuries, variations of the last name have taken root and spread throughout Europe. In Germany, variations of the name include Welte, Welteke, Welteer, Weltauer, Weltz and Welcke. In Austria, this has changed to Welt, Welte and Welfer. In the United States, certain branches of the Weltch family have Americanized the spelling to “Welsh”.
People with the last name Weltch have a long history extending back to the early Middle Ages. Today, descendants of the original families make up a large global community bearing the same family name. In Europe, the number of people with the name is higher than in North America, but there are still a significant number of Weltch members living in the United States and abroad.
No matter where they come from, those with the surname Weltch share a rich and fulfilling history. From moneylenders to members of the cloth-making trade, there is an undeniable sense of pride that comes from being a part of an ancient family.
Order DNA origin analysisWeltch: Where does the name Weltch come from?
The last name Weltch is mainly a German name that is now mostly found in Germany and parts of Eastern Europe, particularly in Austria and Czech Republic. It is also possible to find this last name in areas where historically German settlements have existed, such as in parts of the United States, Canada, South America, and Australia.
The origin of the name 'Weltch' is mainly unknown. However, it is thought that it derived from the German nickname 'welt' meaning 'world', with the suffix '–ch' added for emphasis. This would have likely designated someone who was a world-famous, renowned person. The name was likely adopted by a German ancestor in the 1800s.
It is thought that the Weltch name is most commonly found in Germany, due to the Germanic roots of the name. The highest concentrations are within the states of Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, and Berlin. It is less common in the other three German-speaking countries, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
The last name is also seen in Eastern Europe due to the German history of the regions, including in Czech Republic and Austria. In the United States, it can be found in the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, California and Texas.
Variations of the surname Weltch
The surname Weltch is of German origin and has been found in various spelling and variations. Weltch is also known by variations such as Weiltch, Welk, Veiltch, Veltch, Velk and Weltsch.
In some cases, the surname is derived from a place name, such as the old Germanic name ‘Welz’. In this case, bearers of the name may have originated from a place called Welz or one located near its boundaries. In other cases, Weltch is derived from the Middle High German word 'welte', meaning ‘rise’, suggesting that bearers of the name may have come from a place on a hill.
The great global distribution of the surname Weltch suggests that the name is relatively common, so it is likely that there were a variety of spelling variations from one location or time period to another. After 1900, the spelling Weltch became the more common variant in the United States.
Surnames with similar origins include Weitze, Welz, Weitzel, Wilz, Wyth, Weissle, and Weitzmann. Surnames with variations in spelling that have the same origin as Weltch can be found in England, Scotland, France, and other parts of Europe.
Given the various spellings with similar origins, those with the surname Weltch may develop an understanding of their ancestor's regional and historical origins, and may be able to trace their localities and genealogies.
Famous people with the name Weltch
- Moritz Weltch: An Austrian pop singer and dancer.
- Isobel Weltch: A British-American ballerina and actress.
- Jim Weltch: An American actor, writer, and producer.
- Stephen Weltch: An American entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist.
- Al Weltch: A professional entertainer best known for his Hawaiian-style music.
- Eric Weltch: A British composer, arranger, and musician.
- Jody Weltch: An American business executive and philanthropist.
- Andre Weltch: A Swiss film director and producer.
- Henry Weltch: An American photographer and author.
- John Weltch: A Canadian politician and lawyer.