Find out how popular the last name Windsperger is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Windsperger.

Windsperger, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Windsperger surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Windsperger in America

Windsperger is the 146011th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Windsperger surname appeared 104 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Windsperger.

The history of the last name Windsperger

The surname Windesperger originates from the German-speaking regions of Europe, more specifically from Austria and Bavaria. It traces its roots back to the medieval period, likely around the 12th to 14th centuries. These areas were characterized by their rugged landscapes and dense forests, which influenced many of the local surnames derived from geographical features and occupations.

The name combines elements from the German language: "Winde," which translates to "wind," and "Sperger," which is a variation of "Sperr," meaning "to bar" or "fence." The suffix "-ger" often denotes a person associated with a particular place or occupation. Thus, the combination likely referred to someone living near a windy barrier or fenced area, or someone who constructed such barriers.

One of the earliest mentions of the Windesperger surname can be found in old Bavarian records from the 13th century. Manuscripts from monasteries and local councils often employed surnames to identify individuals, and the Windesperger name appears in civic and legal documents. For example, a Hans Windesperger is mentioned in a land transaction document from 1324 in Salzburg, indicating the name's establishment in that region.

Another historical reference comes from a tax record in 1416, where a Johannes Windesperger was listed as a prominent landowner in the Tyrolean Alps. These early mentions help to underscore the surname's association with significant local figures and landholders.

An interesting variant spellings include "Windsperger," found in records from the 15th century, specifically in the context of city council meetings in Innsbruck. This variation showcases the minor spelling adaptations that occur over time due to dialectal differences and clerical interpretations.

One notable individual bearing this surname is Matthias Windesperger, a renowned lute maker from Vienna born in 1612 and died in 1678. His work was highly esteemed across Europe, with many pieces preserved in museums today. Another significant figure includes Baron Georg Windesperger, who served as a military commander during the Thirty Years' War, born in 1586 and died in 1654.

Additionally, Christoph Windesperger, an esteemed architect known for his baroque-style churches and palaces, left a lasting mark in southern Germany and Austria. Born in 1667 and died in 1742, his contributions were documented in various architectural treatises of the time.

Finally, the name appears in literary references, with Franz Windesperger being a poet from the late 17th century, born in 1635 and died in 1701. His works provide insight into the cultural and social dynamics of the period. His poetry often incorporated natural elements, reflecting the etymological roots of his surname.

Through these various historical references and notable individuals, the surname Windesperger illustrates a rich tapestry of cultural and social history rooted in the German-speaking regions of medieval and early modern Europe.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Windsperger

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Windsperger.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Windsperger was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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