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Weber

Weber most commonly refers to (1864–1920), a sociologist, , philosopher, and political theorist widely regarded as one of the founders of modern . It may also refer to places, people, businesses, educational institutions, and other uses described in the following sections.

Places

United States

is located in northern and had a population of 262,223 according to the . As of the 2024 estimate, the population was 276,118. Its county seat is Ogden, and it is home to , a public institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs. The county lies along the eastern shores of the , contributing to its diverse geography that includes urban, agricultural, and recreational areas. South Weber is a city in , with a population of 7,867 as recorded in the 2020 Census. As of 2023, the estimated population was 8,040. It forms part of the and was established in the by early Mormon families, including the Watts and Bybee settlers who arrived in 1851. Originally part of Weber County, the community developed as a residential suburb with access to nearby urban amenities. West Weber is an unincorporated community in western Weber County, Utah, characterized by its agricultural focus, including crop farming and livestock operations on expansive rural lands. The area supports small-scale farming communities and reflects its rural character within the broader county framework, though it lacks an official census population designation. Weber City is a town in , with a population of 1,250 according to the 2020 Census. As of 2024, the estimated population was 1,236. It belongs to the Kingsport-Bristol and was incorporated on April 6, 1954, evolving from the earlier known as . Weber is an unincorporated in , situated as a small rural settlement near the North Branch of the Sunrise River, which flows eastward through the township areas of and North Branch. The locale has approximately 146 residents as of the 2019-2023 estimate and emphasizes its historical role in local farming and river-adjacent activities without formal municipal boundaries. Weber is an unincorporated community in Lewis County, Missouri, noted for its historical rural significance, where a post office operated from 1882 until its discontinuation in 1905. The site represents a typical 19th-century agrarian in the region, with no current organized population data due to its unincorporated status. Weber is a small in , referenced historically as a former settlement tied to early , though it lacks distinct modern boundaries or significant population records. The flows through several of the locations, including Weber County and its associated communities, supporting local and recreation.

International

Weber is a small rural locality in the Region on New Zealand's , situated along the Akitio River in what was formerly Dannevirke County. Approximately 20 miles southeast of Dannevirke, it serves as a farming community focused on , with historical records from the late 19th and early 20th centuries documenting activities such as land clearing, stock management, , and crop planting. The area features homesteads like Kelvin Grove and supports community events including horse shows and fire brigade operations. The locality derives its name from Karl Herman Weber (also spelled Webber), the chief surveyor of Province from 1864 to 1877, reflecting the occupational roots of the term "Weber," which means "weaver" in reference to the weaving trade. The surrounding region holds historical significance, with archaeological evidence of early occupation including middens, ovens, terraces, and artifacts at the Akitio River mouth, indicating pre-European use by such as for settlement and resource gathering. The Akitio River, flowing through the Weber area for about 35 kilometers before reaching the , supports local through , with permits allowing abstraction for pasture and feed crop watering on nearby farms. In German-speaking countries like and , Weber commonly appears as a or name, often denoting historical districts or occupational associations, though no major towns bear the name distinctly outside such contexts.

People

Historical Figures

Max Weber (1864–1920) was a prominent sociologist, , and political economist whose ideas laid the foundations for modern . Born in , , to a prosperous family, Weber studied law, history, and at universities in , , and Göttingen, earning his doctorate in 1889 and in 1891. He held academic positions at the universities of , Freiburg, , and , where he died in 1920. Weber's seminal work, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of (1905), argued that Protestant values, particularly Calvinist asceticism, contributed to the rise of rational in by promoting a disciplined and rational economic behavior. His broader contributions include developing concepts like the "" of , ideal types in social analysis, and the role of in , which profoundly shaped , , and political science. Carl Maria von Weber (1786–1826) was a pioneering German , , and who played a key role in establishing German . Born in , , into a musical family, Weber received early training from his father and various teachers, including Joseph Haydn's brother Michael. He composed his first at age 14 and rose to prominence as a in Prague and Dresden, where he directed the German Opera from 1817. Weber's operas Der Freischütz (1821), a supernatural tale of a marksman and his pact with dark forces, and Euryanthe (1823), a medieval romance emphasizing orchestral color and leitmotifs, revolutionized by integrating folk elements, vivid orchestration, and nationalistic themes, moving away from Italian dominance. These works directly influenced Richard Wagner, who admired Weber's synthesis of music and drama and later arranged Der Freischütz for performance. Weber died in London at age 39 while conducting Oberon, his final , leaving a legacy that bridged Classical and Romantic eras. Ernst Heinrich Weber (1795–1878) was a physiologist whose experimental research established quantitative foundations for sensory . Born in , , Weber studied at the University of , where he became a of anatomy and physiology in 1818. Over decades, he conducted precise measurements on touch, kinesthesia, and other senses using tools like his eponymous for detecting tactile thresholds. His discovery of Weber's law—that the just-noticeable difference in stimulus intensity is proportional to the original stimulus—provided a mathematical relation (ΔI / I = k, where k is a constant) for understanding , influencing . Published in works like De Tactu (1834), these findings founded by emphasizing empirical measurement over , paving the way for Gustav Fechner's of . Weber remained at until his death in 1878, mentoring a generation of scientists. Heinrich Martin Weber (1842–1913) was a mathematician renowned for advancing and elliptic functions. Born in , , Weber studied at the universities of , , and , earning his doctorate in 1863 under . He held professorships in , , and , collaborating with on foundational texts like Theorie der algebraischen Funktionen einer komplexen Grösse (1882). Weber's contributions included rigorous treatments of elliptic modular functions, precursors, and the first abstract definitions of groups and fields in his Lehrbuch der Algebra (1895–1896), which systematized 19th-century . His work on ideal numbers and reciprocity laws bridged with function theory, influencing and later developments in . Weber died in , leaving a lasting impact on .

Contemporary Figures

David Weber (born October 24, 1952) is an American and fantasy author best known for creating the series, a saga centered on the character Honor Harrington. The , which draws parallels to the naval adventures of in a futuristic setting, encompasses over 20 novels and numerous anthologies published since 1993, establishing Weber as a prominent figure in the genre. He resides in , and continues to produce works blending advanced technology, interstellar politics, and tactical warfare. Steven Weber (born March 4, 1961) is an American actor recognized for his versatile roles across television, film, and theater. He gained widespread acclaim for portraying Brian Hackett, the charming pilot, in the NBC sitcom Wings from 1990 to 1997, which ran for eight seasons and highlighted his comedic timing. Weber later appeared as the recurring antagonist Vaughn Du Clark in the CW series iZombie from 2015 to 2019, contributing to the show's blend of zombie mystery and humor. In film, he starred in thrillers such as Single White Female (1992), and on stage, he earned a Tony nomination for his Broadway performance in The Real Thing (2000). Bill Weber (May 8, 1957 – December 13, 2024) was an American sports broadcaster renowned for his commentary over more than three decades. A graduate of , Weber began his career at in before joining in 1986, where he covered events. He served as the lead announcer for on from 2001 to 2014 and contributed to NBC's coverage in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as well as broadcasts, delivering insightful analysis that appealed to both casual fans and enthusiasts. Amy Weber (born July 2, 1970) is an American actress, model, singer, and former professional wrestling personality. She rose to prominence as a swimsuit and fitness model in the 1990s, appearing in publications and advertisements before transitioning to acting roles in films like The Bet (1997) and television episodes of CSI: Miami. Weber also served as a WWE Diva and valet in the early 2000s, managing wrestlers on Raw and participating in storylines that showcased her on-screen charisma. In politics, Stephen Webber (born June 8, 1983) serves as a Democratic member of the State Senate, representing District 19 since January 8, 2025, following his election in November 2024. A U.S. Marine Corps and from Boone County, Webber previously represented House District 46 from 2013 to 2021, focusing on , , and . Timothy D. Weber is a contemporary physicist and postdoctoral associate at the , specializing in multiphoton for applications. His research, cited over 430 times, advances open-source tools for real-time tissue imaging during operations, enhancing precision in medical diagnostics.

Fictional Characters

In various works of television, film, and other media, characters named Weber appear in supporting or prominent roles, often embodying everyday or professional archetypes within their narratives. One of the most iconic is Warren "Potsie" Weber from the American sitcom Happy Days (1974–1984), portrayed by Anson Williams. Potsie is depicted as the affable, somewhat naive best friend of protagonist Richie Cunningham, frequently involved in lighthearted adventures and musical performances as part of the group at Arnold's Drive-In. His character contributes to the show's nostalgic portrayal of 1950s and 1960s American youth culture. In the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy (2005–present), Richard Webber, played by James Pickens Jr., serves as a central figure as the former Chief of Surgery at Seattle Grace Hospital (later Grey Sloan Memorial). As a seasoned and mentor, Webber navigates complex personal struggles including and family dynamics while guiding younger doctors through high-stakes medical crises, highlighting themes of and resilience in healthcare. His role has evolved over more than 400 episodes, establishing him as a paternal influence in the ensemble cast. Steven Lars Webber, a in the General Hospital (1963–present), was originated by several actors but notably portrayed by from 2009 to 2013 and briefly in 2024. As the son of Dr. Jeff Webber and the villainous Heather Grant, Steven is a compassionate who faces moral dilemmas, including a prison stint for euthanizing a to harvest organs for a life-saving transplant. His storyline explores redemption and family legacies within the show's intricate web of intrigue. In film, Adam Webber is the optimistic protagonist of the romantic comedy Blast from the Past (1999), played by Brendan Fraser. Sheltered in a fallout bunker for 35 years after a mistaken nuclear scare, Adam emerges into 1990s Los Angeles as a wide-eyed innocent seeking a wife to repopulate humanity, leading to humorous clashes with modern society and a budding romance. The character underscores themes of isolation, adaptation, and genuine human connection. A brief but memorable cameo features Art Weber in and the Temple of Doom (1984), portrayed by . As a British agent at a airport, Weber arranges passage for and his companions on a flight, inadvertently aiding their escape amid adventure and peril in 1935. This minor role adds to the film's globe-trotting ensemble of allies in the iconic archaeologist's exploits.

Businesses

Manufacturing Companies

, founded in 1952 by George Stephen Sr. in , , is a leading American manufacturer of outdoor grills and accessories. Headquartered in , the company produces a range of , gas, and electric grills designed for consumer use. It went public on the in August 2021, raising approximately $250 million. In its fiscal year 2022, ending September 30, Weber reported net sales of $1.586 billion, reflecting its significant scale in the grilling industry. Weber Carburetors, established in 1923 by Edoardo Weber in , , specializes in high-performance carburetors primarily for racing and classic automobiles. acquired control of the company in 1952. The company, based in , developed a reputation for precision-engineered fuel systems that enhanced engine performance in motorsports and vintage vehicles. Beginning in 1986, Weber gradually merged into Magneti Marelli, Fiat's automotive parts division, with production of genuine Weber carburetors continuing in until 1992. The , founded in 1852 by Albert Weber in , was a prominent manufacturer known for its high-quality upright and grand pianos. Originally based in New York and later expanding to East Rochester, the company built instruments celebrated for their craftsmanship and tone during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After a series of ownership changes, including acquisition by the Aeolian Piano Company in 1902, the Weber brand was sold to the Korean manufacturer in 1986, under which it continues to produce pianos today. F. Weber & Company, established in 1853 in , , is one of the oldest art supply manufacturers in the United States. The company produces a variety of artists' materials, including paints, brushes, and student-grade supplies, serving both professional and educational markets. Originating as Scholz & Company before becoming F. Weber & Co. in 1887, it has maintained a legacy of quality art materials for over 170 years.

Service and Media Companies

is a global and firm formed in 2001 through the merger of the Weber Group and Shandwick International. Headquartered in , the company operates as part of the Interpublic Group (IPG) and employs approximately 4,400 professionals across more than 80 countries. It specializes in earned-first strategies, including digital communications, , and integrated marketing solutions for brands and organizations. In 2025, expanded its capabilities with the launch of Weber I/O, an -powered platform designed to accelerate the adoption of , data, and technology in communications and marketing. Additionally, the firm secured a multimillion-dollar, three-year partnership with to develop a custom agentic platform for enhanced narrative control and predictive . Zodiac Seats (formerly Weber Aircraft LLC), originally founded in 1941, is a U.S.-based provider of services focused on the , , and integration of interiors, including economy-class seating and components. Headquartered in , the company began local operations there in 1967 and was acquired by in 1992, later becoming Zodiac Seats following Zodiac's integration into in 2018. It supplies major airlines, such as , with specialized components like modular lavatory systems and panel joiners for models including the 737. Zodiac Seats 's services emphasize lightweight, durable materials to meet standards and enhance passenger comfort in commercial fleets. Webers Hamburgers is a renowned Canadian roadside established on July 11, 1963, by Paul Weber Sr. along Highway 11, approximately 15 kilometers north of , . Originally a family-owned —passing to Paul Weber Jr. in —it was sold in 2004 to entrepreneur Tom Rennie, ending direct family control after over four decades. The eatery gained fame for its charcoal-grilled hamburgers made from fresh, high-quality Canadian beef patties prepared daily, serving as a landmark stop for travelers and drawing crowds with its simple, nostalgic menu. By 2005, Webers expanded beyond its single location to supply pre-grilled burgers to over 400 grocery stores, including chains like and , while maintaining its core roadside operation as of 2025. Under Rennie's ownership, the has preserved its institutional status, occasionally hosting events like classic car shows to engage the community.

Educational Institutions

Higher Education

Weber State University, located in Ogden, Utah, is the primary institution of higher education bearing the name Weber. Founded in 1889 as Weber Stake Academy by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it initially served as a preparatory school before evolving into a state junior college in 1933 and a four-year institution in 1963. The university achieved its current status in 1991 and is now a member of the Utah System of Higher Education, emphasizing accessible education in the region encompassing Weber County. As of fall 2025, enrolls 33,293 students, marking a record high with notable growth in first-generation (up 6.4%) and / (up 13%, adding over 500 students) populations. The institution offers more than 250 , , bachelor's, and programs across seven colleges, with a strong emphasis on teaching excellence and . It supports and accelerated options, including 90-credit bachelor's degrees completable in three years, to accommodate diverse learners. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in , , health professions, and , , and . The Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions, the largest academic unit with 5,227 students, leads in and radiologic sciences, while the College of Engineering, & enrolls 3,107 students and holds accreditation for many majors. programs through the Goddard School of & Economics prepare graduates for regional industries, and overall, 80% of credentials align with high-yield fields as defined by the System of Higher Education's performance funding metrics. completion rates have improved significantly, rising from 31% in 2018 to 47% in 2024, reflecting expanded support for student success.

K-12 Schools

The Weber School District is a public school district serving Weber County, Utah, encompassing communities such as Ogden, Roy, and Pleasant View. It operates 52 schools, including approximately 25 elementary schools, 7 junior high schools, and 4 high schools, with a total enrollment of approximately 31,700 students in grades PK-12 as of fall 2025. Headquartered in Ogden, the district emphasizes comprehensive K-12 education, including STEM initiatives and athletics programs across its institutions. In September 2025, district officials announced a study into potentially closing one of its oldest elementary schools in Pleasant View due to enrollment shifts and facility needs. Public hearings in November 2025 featured strong community support to keep the school open; a final decision is pending a board vote on December 3, 2025. The Weber School is a private, pluralistic Jewish community high school located in , serving students in grades 9-12. Founded in 1997 as the New Atlanta Jewish Community High School and later renamed to honor co-founder Felicia Penzell Weber, it enrolls around 250 students from diverse Jewish backgrounds. The school focuses on rigorous preparatory academics, integrating Jewish values, , and to foster responsible . Weber High School in Pleasant View, , is a public institution within the Weber School District, offering grades 10-12 to approximately 1,800 students. Opened in to accommodate growing enrollment in northern Weber County, it succeeded an earlier Weber High School building from 1926 that operated until the mid-1980s. The school is recognized for its strong athletics programs, including competitive teams in , , and , as well as initiatives that align with district-wide efforts to promote innovation and hands-on learning. Archbishop Weber High School, located in Chicago, Illinois, was a private Roman Catholic all-boys high school that operated from 1890 until its closure in 1999. Originally established as St. Stanislaus College in September 1890 by the Resurrectionist Order, it was renamed in 1930 to honor Archbishop Joseph Weber, though commonly known as Weber High School. Situated in the Cragin neighborhood on the Northwest Side, the school served urban youth for over a century, contributing to Catholic education in Chicago through its emphasis on academics, discipline, and extracurriculars like sports, before closing due to declining enrollment and financial challenges. As of 2025, the site remains defunct with no reopenings or mergers reported. This overview covers principal American K-12 institutions named Weber; comprehensive lists may evolve with ongoing district changes post-2020, such as boundary adjustments, but no major mergers or additional closures beyond the noted study have occurred by 2025.

Other Uses

Science and Units

In physics, the weber (symbol: Wb) is the of , measuring the amount of passing through a surface. It is defined as the that, linking a of one turn, produces in it an of one volt when the flux is reduced to zero at a uniform rate in one second, equivalently one volt-second (V·s). The unit is named in honor of the German physicist (1804–1891), who made significant contributions to , including early work on electrical units and measurements. In practical terms, one weber equals one times one square meter (1 Wb = 1 T·m²), and it finds application in fields such as and for quantifying phenomena like induced electromotive forces in coils. In , Weber's law describes the relationship between a stimulus and the smallest detectable change in that stimulus, stating that the (ΔI) is proportional to the magnitude of the original stimulus (I). Formulated by the German physiologist in his 1834 work De Tactu, the law is mathematically expressed as \Delta I / I = k, where k is a constant specific to the sensory modality, such as touch or weight. This principle, foundational to , implies that absolute decreases as stimulus intensity increases, enabling predictions about perceptual thresholds across various senses. Weber's empirical investigations, primarily on tactile , laid the groundwork for later developments in sensory scaling and psychophysical methods. Weber electrodynamics refers to a 19th-century theory of developed by , proposing an action-at-a-distance force law between electric charges that accounts for both electrostatic and magnetic effects. First published in in collaboration with , the theory unified diverse electrical phenomena under a single velocity-dependent potential, incorporating a constant now known as the Weber constant to relate electrodynamic forces to the . Unlike field-based approaches, it treated interactions instantaneously across distances, predicting experimental results such as and early measurements of current effects. Although influential in its time for advancing quantitative , Weber's model was eventually superseded by James Clerk Maxwell's field equations in the 1860s, which better explained electromagnetic waves and radiation.

Sports, Media, and Miscellaneous

In sports, the Weber Cup stands as a prominent ten-pin bowling event modeled after golf's Ryder Cup, pitting five-man teams from the United States against those from Europe in a series of singles and doubles matches decided by total pinfall over three days. Established in 2000 and named in honor of American bowling legend Dick Weber, the competition began in Warsaw, Poland, but has since been held primarily in the United Kingdom, alternating venues to foster international rivalry. As of the 2021 edition in Leicester, England—where Europe secured a narrow 18-17 victory—the teams were tied with 11 wins each, highlighting the event's competitive balance and growing popularity among fans. No Weber Cup occurred in 2024 or 2025, though as of November 2025 ongoing discussions suggest potential revivals with expanded formats, such as increased broadcast reach or new team selection criteria, to adapt to modern bowling trends. In medicine, the Weber test serves as a fundamental quick screening method in audiology for assessing unilateral hearing loss, helping clinicians differentiate between conductive and sensorineural impairments without specialized equipment. Developed by German physiologist Ernst Heinrich Weber in 1834, the procedure entails striking a 512 Hz tuning fork to produce vibration and placing its base on the patient's forehead midline or vertex, then inquiring whether the sound is perceived louder in one ear, both equally, or midline. Sound lateralizes to the affected ear in cases of conductive hearing loss due to enhanced bone conduction relative to the impaired air conduction pathway, whereas it shifts to the unaffected ear in sensorineural loss, where the damaged cochlea on the affected side reduces overall perception. This test, often paired with the Rinne test for confirmation, remains a staple in initial otologic evaluations despite advancements in audiometry. The (DE-675) exemplifies naval contributions during as a , commissioned on 30 June 1943 at in . Assigned initially to Atlantic duties, she escorted merchant vessels from to Londonderry, , across multiple transatlantic crossings between August 1943 and October 1944, effectively protecting against threats and ensuring safe passage for troops and supplies. In November 1944, following Mediterranean support, Weber underwent conversion at Yard to a (APD-75), enabling her redeployment to the Pacific Theater in early 1945; there, she screened amphibious forces during the Okinawa campaign, patrolled for submarines, and later assisted in repatriating Allied prisoners from and transporting troops along China's coast. Decommissioned on 29 January 1947 at and placed in reserve, she was stricken from the on 1 June 1960 and ultimately sunk as a target during exercises on 15 July 1962. Among media outlets, Weber: The Contemporary West is an literary dedicated to exploring the environment, culture, and human experience of through diverse genres. Published by in , since its founding in 1984 (initially as Weber Studies), it features peer-reviewed contributions including personal narratives, critical essays, , , and , often blending regional themes with global perspectives to reach an international audience of approximately 70,000 readers annually. Issued biannually, recent volumes such as Spring/Summer 2025 (Vol. 41, No. 2) emphasize interdisciplinary works on contemporary issues like otherness, , and in the , with a shift toward enhanced digital accessibility via online archives and interactive formats to engage younger contributors and audiences.