Surname Aulph - Meaning and Origin
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Aulph: What does the surname Aulph mean?
The surname Aulph is quite rare and its specific meaning is untraceable in available genealogical or historical surname references. It might be an anglicized form of a name from a different language, or a variation of another surname. The surname Aulph could possibly derive from the first name Ralf or Ralph, considering the linguistic shifts in pronunciation and spelling over time. Names have been historically altered due to factors like migration, regional dialects, or illiteracy and thus record keeping. In general, surnames can denote geography, profession, or even physical characteristics, but without documented history, the precise origin and meaning of Aulph remains uncertain. If you believe this is a family surname, you might be able to learn more through specific family records, stories or regional histories.
Order DNA origin analysisAulph: Where does the name Aulph come from?
The last name Aulph is most commonly found in northern Germany. This is likely due to the fact that the earliest known record of the name is from the region; in 1443, Mangold Aulph was mentioned in Baden-Wurttemberg.
Today, the last name Aulph is quite widespread throughout Germany, particularly in the states of Schleswig-Holstein, Brandenburg, and Saxony-Anhalt. Additionally, some people with the last name Aulph have also settled in the Netherlands, making it an area of Germanic influence.
Although the original reason for the surname's prevalence in northern Germany is not certain, a plausible explanation could be the migration of individuals with the surname in the late-1700s as part of a religious movement known as The Pietists. This movement sought to reform the Lutheran church and its beliefs, attracting followers from all over Northern Europe.
In addition to Germany and the Netherlands, people with the surname Aulph can also be found in the United States, where it is most commonly seen in the states of Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Although it is generally assumed that these people derive from German settlers, some may have arrived from other countries in Europe such as Switzerland and Austria.
Overall, the surname Aulph is firmly rooted in Northern Europe and continues to be a common name in Germany today.
Variations of the surname Aulph
The surname Aulph has a few variations, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
Aulph is a surname most commonly found among individuals of European descent, and is derived from the Old German term alf, which means “elf” or “gnome.” It is an occupational name for a brewer, and is likely derived from a professional with the skill of mead or ale brewing.
The variant spellings for the surname Aulph include Alp, Alf, Alph, Alphs, Alphson, Alphew, Aleson, Aulphus, Aulpe, and Olphe.
The surnames of the same origin include Alfson, Allphin, Allphonse, Alwine, Olaphe, Olofson, and Olphin.
Aulph is an uncommon name in the United States, and this could be attributed to immigrants bearing the name settling in other countries. The highest rate of Americans bearing this surname is in New Jersey, typically spelled Alf, followed by Alberta, Canada, where the majority of families bear the surname Alph. It is also popular in England and Wales as both Alp and Alph.
In India, the surname Aulph has persisted in several parts of the country with the spelling Aulph; primarily in the states of Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Delhi.
Although each of these variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin differ, they all have the same root which is derived from the Old German term alf which literally translates to “elf.” The name is not common but has spread across the world with small groups of families using it.
Famous people with the name Aulph
- Bobby Aulph: singer and songwriter from California who has released multiple singles, including “Oil.”
- Brett Aulph: Chicago-based aspiring photographer currently working on a project exploring identity and self-expression.
- Bill Aulph: former American basketball player and the current head coach for the Fresno City College Finch.
- Kate Aulph: Minnesota-born writer and spoken word artist who has released her debut poetry collection, “The Open Book.”
- Jorge Aulph: Chilean novelist and essayist, known best for his debut novel, “The Seventh Continent.”
- Ryan Aulph: professional golfer from Dallas, Texas who represented the United States in the 2021 Walker Cup.
- Mark Aulph: retired military officer and former Director of Problems at the 41st Signal Battalion in Georgia.
- Oliver Aulph: Reality TV star from the United Kingdom, known for his appearances on the BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing.
- Mike Aulph: Canadian football player who currently plays cornerback for the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL.
- Anne Aulph: award-winning French choreographer and director who works with international companies, based out of Paris.