The Weiss Family History

What Does the Weiss Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Weiss is of German origin, derived from the High German word ‘wiz,’ which translates to white or pale. Variants of the name include Weisse and Weisser, while a distinct German form is Weis. The earliest records of families bearing the Weiss name can be traced back to the region of Saxony in Germany. In England, a significant concentration of individuals with the Weiss surname can be found in and around London, as well as in the surrounding counties. Additionally, some families reside in the northern counties of Northumberland and Cumberland. In Scotland, the counties with notable populations of the Weiss surname include Lanarkshire, Perthshire, Aberdeenshire, Midlothian, and Stirlingshire. In the United States, the Weiss families primarily established themselves in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. Noteworthy individuals with this surname include Ehrich Weiss, better known as the magician Harry Houdini; composer and musician Adolph Weiss; professional basketball player and coach Bob Weiss; German artist Clemens Weiss; Major League Baseball player George Martin Weiss; musician Jerry Weiss; champion figure skater Michael Weiss; German composer Sylvius L. Weiss; and Polish artist Wojciech Weiss.