Wels Surname

The Origin of the Surname 'Wels'

The surname 'Wels' is of German origin, with the highest incidence of this surname being in Germany. It is believed that the surname 'Wels' is derived from the personal name 'Wella', which is a diminutive of the Old High German name 'Walah', meaning foreigner or stranger. The surname may have originally been used to refer to someone who came from a foreign land, or it could have been a nickname for someone who was seen as different or unique.

German Influence

With Germany having the highest incidence of the surname 'Wels', it is clear that the name has strong roots in German culture. The German language and history are rich with influences that may have contributed to the popularity of this surname. It is possible that the name 'Wels' was given to individuals who were seen as outsiders or foreigners within a German community, or it could have been a name that was passed down through generations as a reminder of a family's origins.

European Spread

While Germany has the highest incidence of the surname 'Wels', it is also present in other European countries such as the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, and Poland. The spread of the surname throughout Europe may have been due to migration patterns, trade routes, or intermarriage between families from different regions. Each country may have its own unique history and cultural significance attached to the surname 'Wels'.

Variations of the Surname 'Wels'

Like many surnames, 'Wels' has undergone variations in spelling over time. Some common variations of the surname include 'Welz', 'Welf', and 'Welsh'. These variations may have been the result of regional dialects, phonetic changes, or transcription errors. Despite the variations, the core meaning and origin of the surname 'Wels' remain consistent across different spellings.

American Influence

In the United States, the surname 'Wels' has a moderate incidence, with over 200 occurrences. The presence of the surname in the US may be due to immigration from European countries where the name is more common. It is also likely that American families with German or Dutch heritage have carried the surname 'Wels' with them as they settled in the US.

African Presence

In South Africa, the surname 'Wels' has a significant presence, with over 200 occurrences. The history of European colonization in Africa may have contributed to the spread of the surname to this region. The surname 'Wels' may have been brought to South Africa by Dutch settlers or German immigrants seeking new opportunities in the African continent.

Legacy of the Surname 'Wels'

Overall, the surname 'Wels' carries a legacy of diversity and interconnectedness across different European countries and beyond. The variations in spelling and the presence of the surname in various regions attest to the shared history and cultural exchanges that have shaped the meaning of the name. Whether it is in Germany, South Africa, or the United States, the surname 'Wels' continues to be a symbol of heritage and belonging for many families.

The surname Wels in the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is possible to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The same happens when it comes to Wels, which as you are able to corroborate, it may be stated it is a surname that can be present in all of the nations regarding the world. In the same manner you will find countries by which truly the density of individuals with the surname Wels is more than far away.

The map for the Wels surname

View Wels surname map

The chance of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Wels on earth, assists us a great deal. By placing ourselves on the map, on a concrete nation, we can see the concrete number of people utilizing the surname Wels, to obtain this way the particular information of the many Wels that you can currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to know not just where the surname Wels arises from, but also in what way individuals who are originally part of the household that bears the surname Wels have relocated and relocated. In the same way, it is possible to see in which places they will have settled and grown up, which explains why if Wels is our surname, this indicates interesting to which other nations regarding the globe it is possible this 1 of our ancestors once moved to.

Nations with additional Wels worldwide

  1. Germany Germany (1276)
  2. Netherlands Netherlands (698)
  3. South Africa South Africa (277)
  4. United States United States (273)
  5. Poland Poland (87)
  6. Austria Austria (83)
  7. Belgium Belgium (78)
  8. England England (42)
  9. Canada Canada (38)
  10. France France (26)
  11. Uruguay Uruguay (23)
  12. Australia Australia (20)
  13. Sweden Sweden (14)
  14. Argentina Argentina (13)
  15. Brazil Brazil (11)
  16. Switzerland Switzerland (10)
  17. India India (6)
  18. Chile Chile (5)
  19. Russia Russia (4)
  20. Norway Norway (3)
  21. Scotland Scotland (3)
  22. Honduras Honduras (3)
  23. South Korea South Korea (3)
  24. Venezuela Venezuela (2)
  25. Spain Spain (2)
  26. Finland Finland (2)
  27. Japan Japan (2)
  28. Maldives Maldives (1)
  29. Mexico Mexico (1)
  30. Philippines Philippines (1)
  31. United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates (1)
  32. Portugal Portugal (1)
  33. Thailand Thailand (1)
  34. Turkey Turkey (1)
  35. Bahamas Bahamas (1)
  36. Ukraine Ukraine (1)
  37. Democratic Republic of the Congo Democratic Republic of the Congo (1)
  38. China China (1)
  39. Colombia Colombia (1)
  40. Cuba Cuba (1)
  41. Cyprus Cyprus (1)
  42. Indonesia Indonesia (1)
  43. Moldova Moldova (1)