Find out how popular the first name Wess has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Wess by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Wess is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Wess.

The history of the first name Wess

The name Wess has its origins in the Germanic languages, specifically in Old High German and Old English. It is derived from the Old High German word "wessi," which means "bright" or "shining." The name likely emerged during the early medieval period, around the 6th to 8th centuries AD, in the regions that are now parts of Germany and England.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Wess is in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a historical record of the Anglo-Saxon people in Britain. The chronicle mentions a person named "Wessing," who lived in the 7th century AD and was a nobleman in the Kingdom of Mercia.

In the 9th century, a Frankish monk named Wesso gained recognition for his scholarly works and contributions to the preservation of ancient texts. He lived in the Benedictine abbey of Reichenau, located in present-day Germany.

During the High Middle Ages, a figure named Wess von Rheinau, who lived from 1020 to 1090, was a prominent architect and master builder. He is credited with designing several notable churches and abbeys in the Rhineland region of Germany.

In the 14th century, a German knight named Wess von Ehrenfels fought alongside the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV during the Hundred Years' War. He was renowned for his bravery and military prowess.

In the 16th century, a Dutch Renaissance humanist and scholar named Wess Gansfort (1487-1542) gained recognition for his contributions to the fields of theology and philosophy. He was a prominent figure during the early stages of the Protestant Reformation.

While the name Wess has its roots in the Germanic languages, it has been used across various cultures and regions over the centuries, although its popularity has varied. The name carries a sense of brightness, radiance, and historical significance, reflecting its ancient origins and the notable individuals who have borne this name throughout history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Wess was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Wess, please contact us.

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