Surname Oellrich - Meaning and Origin
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Oellrich: What does the surname Oellrich mean?
The last name Oellrich is of German origin. It is a patronymic surname created from an ancestor’s given name of Oelo or Oell. This is derived from the old Germanic words “Aud” meaning rich and “Loh” meaning an open field. Therefore, the combination of Aud and Loh would create the name Oello or Oellrich, meaning someone of “rich open land”. The name Oellrich likely emerged in Germany during the Middle Ages, as this was a time when hereditary surnames began to become established.
Today, the surname Oellrich is found throughout Germany. It is also a popular surname in the countries of Denmark, Poland, and the Netherlands in areas that had a strong German population influence, such as Prussia. Additionally, those with the last name Oellrich can also be found in the United States, primarily in areas with a large German immigrant population such as Wisconsin, Minnesota and in some parts of Canada.
Those with the Oellrich surname are part of a long heritage of German descendants and likely have a passionate drive for success due to their ancestors’ spirit of achievement. They can take pride in their heritage and in the strength of its traditions as the name Oellrich is likely to be passed down from generation to generation.
Order DNA origin analysisOellrich: Where does the name Oellrich come from?
The last name Oellrich is most commonly found in Germany today. It can also be found throughout northern Europe, including Germany's neighboring countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.
In Germany, the last name Oellrich is most commonly seen around the northern and eastern parts of the country. However, it can also be found in the south in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemburg. Additionally, there are small pockets of Oellrich's in the west in cities like Cologne or Bonn.
In the past, the last name Oellrich was primarily concentrated in the middle and northern parts of the country. This was most likely due to the fact that some of the earliest references to the name Oellrich can be found in those regions. The name is also seems to have changed over time with some of the earliest forms spelling it “Ouelrich” or “Oulrich”.
Today, the population of people with the last name Oellrich in Germany is estimated to be around 12,000 to 15,000 people. This number is relatively small when compared to other surnames in the country. Still, the name can still be found in many of the places it originated and in the surrounding areas as well.
Variations of the surname Oellrich
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Oellrich are Oelrich, Olerich, Oelerich, Ölrich, Oulerich, Oellerich, Ollerich, Olleric, Oleric, Ölerich, Oellerich, Oelerics, Ollericks, Oelerick, Oellerick, Oulerick, Ollerick, Ölrerch, Oellerick, Oelrick, Ollrick, and Oelrik.
Oellrich is an ethnic Germanic name of Old-Upper German origin, derived from the personal names of Uodalric, Uodalrich, Oudalrich, Oudolric, Uodalrico, Uotaric, and Oudarich. The meaning is “prosperous ruler” or “ruler of the riches” in the Old German dialect.
The variants and spellings of this surname are found in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, the UK, and other countries throughout Northern and Western Europe. It is also popular in South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, and in the United States.
In Germany, the most commonly used variation is Oelrich, but it also has different spellings. In the Netherlands, the most common spelling is Ollerich. In Denmark, Belgium, and France, it is Oullerich or Olrich. In Poland, it is Oelerich or Oulerich. In Czech Republic, Hungary, and Austria, the most popular spelling is Oellrich or Ollerich. In the UK and the US, the spelling is usually Oellrich, or sometimes Oelrich.
In some cases, the surname is also spelled Oellric, Ollerech, Ollerec, Ollereich, Oulerich, Olerichs, Oullirech, Ollrichs, and Ollriks. Other possible variants include Olesrich, Olrics, Olericks, Ulrics, Oulrichs, Ullrichs, Ulrichs, Ulerichs, Oellricks, Oulericks, Oullricks and Oolrichs.
Famous people with the name Oellrich
- Karl Oellrich, German author of the popular children's books Die Kleine Raupe Nimmersatt (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) and Willi Wiberg and the Magic Book.
- Jeff Oellrich, American drummer, composer and producer, best known for his work with the supergroup Los Lobos.
- Paul Oellrich, former professional cyclist who participated in the Tour de France and Vuelta a España.
- Ludwig Oellrich, German field hockey player and Olympic gold medalist for the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.
- Wes Oellrich, American race car driver who competed in the United States Premier Racing League.
- Agnes Oellrich, German journalist and author of several biographies of famous people such as Martin Luther and Adolph Hitler.
- Johannes Oellrich, German cellist, pianist and composer, best known for his chamber music, especially his string quartets.
- Fritz Oellrich, German author and historian, specialized in the religious and cultural history of the Middle Ages.
- Andreas Oellrich, German sculptor and medallist, best known for his numismatic works of art.
- Bentley Oellrich, American architect and urban planner, acclaimed for his contributions to the modernist movement of the mid-20th century.