Weymann + Wegmann

Surname & Origin: 

 

There has been great mystique regarding the founder H.A.'s (actual) origin.  This is primarily due to the "Weymann" surname, which has been miss rendered for nearly 161 years.  There exists one family, with three variations of the (like) surname.  Relating to H.A., there are two original immigration documents, stating his surname as "Wegmann".   One document in fact, contains both variations (Wegmann & Weymann) on the same page.

 

Historically, records do not state the specific reason H.A. pursued "Weymann" versus "Wegmann".  Was it done correctly, or in error?   Was his objective to simplify, or assimilate ("Americanize") the sound?  "Americanizing" a last name was a common immigrant practice, driven by a desire to fit in, avoid discrimination, avoid foreign legal issues, or simplify complex spellings, often by translating occupational names.

 

The simple fact remains; the connection between one family, bearing Wegmann, Weymann and Wegman surname is seldom addressed in historical context. 

 

The "Wegman" family, of notable grocer fame, imigrated to both New York & Virginia/West Virginia.  Their patriarch Henry & John Wegman, was a contemporary to Heinrich, who founded the instrument company.   

 

Spelling Variants: 

In German, at the end of a word:  The "g" sound is devoiced and becomes a "k" sound.  For example, Weg (way) is pronounced like "vek".  The pronunciation of "Weg" depends on its meaning.  It is pronounced "Wehk" (/veːk/) as a noun for "path" or "way" and "Weck" (/vɛk/) as an adverb for "away".

 

The difference is the length of the vowel sound: the noun "Weg" uses a long "e" sound, while the adverb "weg" uses a short "e" sound.

 

"Weg" (can be defined as: the path/way/journey) 
Pronunciation: "Wehk" (rhymes with "take")
Phonetic spelling: /veːk/ 
Sound description: The "e" is a long vowel sound. 

"weg" (can be defined as: away/gone) 
Pronunciation: "Weck" (rhymes with "neck")
Phonetic spelling: /vɛk/
Sound description: The "e" is a short vowel sound

 

"Wey" is not a standard German word or surname.  The closest proper surname would contain "Wei" or "Wie".  The English spelling "Wey" was often done in error, during immigration translation(s).  These translations were highly contingent on the general literacy of the persons involved in the writing/translation and the immigrant alike.        

"Wie" (can be defined as: how).

"Weib" (can be defined as: While, Pale, Drained of Color)

 

"Man"  (can be defined as: one, people, you)

"Mann" (can be defined as: man, husband) 

 

Therefore, to understand the translation of "Weymann / Wegmann", it is important to understand the Adjective/Adverb nature of the above words, terms & expressions.  

 

 

Current Director: 

 

Niko de (of) Weymann, born September 6, 1984 is an American musical industry executive, artist, luthier, historian, engineer, industrial designer and philanthropist, who is the current Director of Weymann. 

 

Family Lineage: 
Born in a small suburb just outside of Philadelphia, Niko was born in Wilmington, Delaware in 1984. 

 

Niko's (maternal) family lineage traces back to both the Wegmann/Wegman family as well as Deacon Thomas Metcalf who brought the Metcalf family lineage (Gospatric - Earl of Northumbria) over from England in the late 1600's, landing in Norfolk, Massachusetts.   

 

Deacon's great-grandson, Lt. Anthony Metcalf, would serve during the American Revolution, as a commanding officer with the historic

"Minute Man Regiment". 

 

Early Life:

As a youth, Niko excelled in martial arts and obtained his black belt by the age of 10.  He was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, two times at age 12 & 13 as "Male Junior Competitor of the Year".   Niko was mentored by legendary trainers including Gracie Family (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu), Rocky Farley of Baltimore & Robert Monroe.  In high school, Niko was a gifted athlete excelling at both track & field events. He was awarded State MVP, and earned a partial-scholarship to attend West Virginia University. Niko eventually transferred to the University of Delaware pursuing his undergraduate degree in "Leadership" where his entrepreneurship came to manifest.

 

Current Role: 

Niko serves as the current Director for Weymann where he assists in the design and engineering of the new product lines. His dedication in honoring the Weymann heritage has been front & center to the modern revival & success.  

 

International Musical Instrument Registry & Database:
Niko founded The International Musical Instrument Registry & Database (IMIRAD), an international non-governmental organization dedicated to the preservation of musical instruments and history. IMIRAD provides a database for registering musical instruments. A key feature is its theft-log system, which allows users to report lost or stolen instruments. This deters theft and provides a way to verify an instrument's history.