Widner Name Meaning, Facts & Family History

The surname Widner is of German origin. It is derived from the personal name "Widnoth," which is composed of the elements "wid," meaning "wood" or "wide," and "noth," meaning "foe" or "struggle." Therefore, the name Widner can be interpreted as "wide struggle" or "wide foe."
The family history of the surname Widner dates back many centuries in Germany. It is believed that the first bearers of this surname resided in the region of Germany, specifically in areas such as Bavaria and Baden. Over time, members of the Widner family may have migrated to other parts of Germany or even to other countries, and their descendants might be found in various regions today.
Due to the spelling variations common in surnames throughout history, the surname Widner may also appear as Wiedner or Widenher, for example. It is worth noting that surname meanings and family histories can differ from one specific family branch to another, so it is always advisable to conduct further research on a particular Widner family lineage to obtain a more accurate and detailed understanding.

1. Widner is a German surname derived from the Middle High German word "wider," meaning "against" or "contrary."
2. The surname Widner is relatively rare and can be found primarily in the United States, particularly in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
3. Variations of the surname Widner include Widener and Weidner.
4. Some sources suggest that the surname Widner may have originated as a nickname for someone who was argumentative or contentious.
5. The Widner family name has been documented since the 18th century in America, with Jacob Widner being one of the early settlers in Pennsylvania.
6. Famous individuals with the surname Widner include Fred P. Widener, an American politician who served as the U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania from 1933 to 1937.
7. The Widner surname may also have Jewish origins, with some Jewish families adopting the name during immigration or conversion processes.
8. The name Widner is not very common outside of the United States, and it is primarily found among individuals of German or Jewish descent.
9. There are various spellings of the name Widner, including Widener and Weidner. These different spellings can be attributed to regional and linguistic variations over time.
10. The meaning and significance of the Widner name can vary depending on individual family histories and ancestral backgrounds.

1. Dean Widner: American football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Baltimore Colts and Philadelphia Eagles.
2. Joseph Widner: American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Maryland.
3. Jamie Widner: American screenwriter known for her work on the television series "One Tree Hill" and "Dawson's Creek."
4. John Widner: American artist known for his abstract paintings and sculptures.
5. Lauren Widner: American singer and songwriter who gained popularity through her appearances on the reality TV show "The X Factor."
6. Eugene Widner: American military veteran known for his service during World War II and later as an advocate for veterans' rights.
7. Frederick Widner: American physician and surgeon who specialized in cardiovascular medicine and made significant contributions to the field.
8. Charles Widner: American attorney and legal scholar known for his work in the field of intellectual property law.
9. Gert-Jan Widner: Dutch entrepreneur and founder of the widely popular clothing brand "G-Star RAW."
10. Nicholas Widner: American musician and member of the alternative rock band "The Wandering Hearts."