Pronunciation: [wˈa͡ɪs] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Weiss" can be a little deceptive for native English speakers. It's pronounced "vīs," as indicated by the IPA phonetic transcription /vaɪs/. The "W" is pronounced like a "V" in German, which is where this surname originates. The double "s" is pronounced like a "ß" in German and indicates a long "s" sound. So, while it may look like "Weiss" should be pronounced like "Weese," in actuality, it's pronounced like "Vice."
Weiss is a German surname that originated from the Middle High German word "wiz," which means "white." It is a common occupational surname that refers to a person who works with or deals in white goods or products. "Weiss" can specifically denote an individual engaged in the production or trade of various white-colored items, such as white textiles, porcelain, or even salt.
Additionally, "Weiss" can also refer to a person's physical or genetic characteristics, particularly fair or pale skin color, light hair, or light-colored eyes. This alternative meaning may have been derived from the surname's association with "white."
Over time, the surname "Weiss" has spread beyond the German-speaking countries and can be found among various communities around the world. Many individuals with this surname have migrated to other nations or adopted it as a result of intermarriage or other factors.
As with many surnames, "Weiss" may have different variations or spellings, such as "Weis" or "Wiess," depending on regional or historical influences. It is important to note that surnames can often have diverse origins and meanings, and individuals should research their specific family history to determine the context and significance of their surname.
The word "Weiss" has its origins in the German language. It is a common German surname and can also be found as a variant of the word "Weiß", which translates to "white" in English. It is derived from the Old High German word "wīs", which has the same meaning. The surname "Weiss" may have originally been used to describe someone with fair or white hair, or it could have had other associations with whiteness, such as fair complexion or clothing color.
