Wanner

The surname Wanner is of occupational origin, derived from the Middle High German word 'wanne' meaning 'winnowing basket' or 'wagon'. It would have been given to someone who made or repaired wagons, or perhaps to a farmer who used a winnowing basket. The name is prevalent in German-speaking regions, particularly in Switzerland and southern Germany.

Over time, occupational surnames like Wanner became hereditary, passed down through generations regardless of the family's actual profession. This practice became more common from the Middle Ages onwards as populations grew and more formal systems of identification were needed. The 'er' suffix often denotes an agent or a person associated with the root word.