Surname Bärwolff - Meaning and Origin

Bärwolff: What does the surname Bärwolff mean?

The last name Bärwolff is believed to have its origins in Germany, specifically in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. It is believed to have derive from the Middle High German phrase "berwalt" which translates to "scribe" or "secretary". Thus, the surname “Bärwolff” probably means 'scribe' or 'secretary'.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the profession of "scribe" or "secretary" was essential to the functioning of government and courts. These individuals were required to write letters, notes, and documents and sometimes inscribe laws. Bärwolffs were well-respected figures and were known to act as advisors to high-ranking members of society.

As a result of the family's history and importance, the name has become quite common in modern Germany. However, the meaning of the surname has been somewhat debased, and is now used to refer to any person who is particularly clever or articulate.

In addition to its German origin, the surname Bärwolff has also been used by families in other parts of Europe, such as Finland and the Netherlands. In medieval times, it was used as a patronymic by families who had moved to these other countries from Germany.

The name Bärwolff has a long and interesting history, and the meaning of the surname reveals a great deal about the families who have used it. Even in modern times, members of these families have been known for their intelligence and ability to write and express themselves articulately.

Bärwolff: Where does the name Bärwolff come from?

The last name Bärwolff is most commonly associated with German and Dutch populations today. This is thought to be the result of migration patterns between centuries. Records began to appear in Germany around the 1500s, but the roots of this surname are believed to be derive from before 1250.

In Europe today, the name Bärwolff has been found in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and other countries in the region. It is often seen in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany, especially in the cities of Soest and Gelsenkirchen. It is particularly common in the Netherlands in the provinces of Noord-Brabant and Utrecht.

Families bearing this last name have also been known to settle in the United States. This is seen especially in areas with large concentrations of Dutch and German immigrants such as Pennsylvania and Ohio. The name was recorded in the United States as far back as 1865 in Harford County, Maryland.

In the 21st century, records indicate that the name is still quite common in European countries such as Germany and the Netherlands, as well as the United States and other countries that have experienced large-scale migrations from Germany and the Netherlands. It is thought that today in Europe, the Bärwolff family tree consists of about 60,000 people and perhaps even more descendants living around the world.

Variations of the surname Bärwolff

The surname Bärwolff is a German family name that has various spellings, variants, and surnames of the same origin. These include Barwolff, Barwelff, Barwolf, Bierewolf, Bearwolff, Bährwolf, and Bierwolf.

The origin of the surname Bärwolff is not fully understood, but it is believed to be derived from two elements: "bär", which is the German word for bear; and "wolff", which may refer to someone with wolf-like characteristics.

The name Bärwolff likely originated in the late Middle Ages, as a surname used by people living in the German region of Hesse. It is believed that the family first settled in the town of Bad Hersfeld, located in the northeast' area of Hesse.

The surname Bärwolff first appears in records in the early 17th century, when two brothers – Elias and Johannes – adopted the surname when they left their home in Germany and emigrated.

The surname Bärwolff is still common in Germany and in current-day diaspora communities around the world, particularly in the United States. Variations of the surname can also be found in other parts of Europe including the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.

Famous people with the name Bärwolff

• Alicia Bärwolff: French journalist, speaker and anchor specializing in Economy for France 24.
• Birgit Bärwolff: German actress, director and theater's playwright.
• Hans Bärwolff: German historian and professor emeritus associated with the University of Mannheim.
• Heinz Bärwolff: German theatrical impresario and theatre manager.
• Jörg Bärwolff: Swiss football referee who has been officiating matches since 1995.
• Karl Bärwolff: German actor, director and theater educator who directed both stage and films.
• Kristina Bärwolff: German art historian, professor of musicology and head of the editorial office of the "Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie".
• Monika Bärwolff: German composer and organist.
• Otto Bärwolff: German officer in the Imperial German Navy who later went on to become a company director and bank counsellor.
• Wolfgang Bärwolff: German actor and theater director.

Other surnames

Bärwolf