Surname Ölrich - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'O'
Ölrich: What does the surname Ölrich mean?
The last name Ölrich is of German origin and is derived from the Old German personal name ‘Alerich’. This personal name is composed of two elements, ‘alu’ meaning ‘ancestral’, and ‘riche’ meaning ‘powerful ruler’. As such, the name would have originally been given to someone of noble ancestry.
As a German surname, Ölrich is likely to have been first used during the Middle Ages, when surnames were being adopted by families for identifying individuals and distinguishing them from other people of similar or identical given names.
The form of the name Ölrich found in modern Germany is most probably a variant of the more traditional form of the name, Alerich. Other similar variants of the name include Aluric, Alicia, Alric, Alrico, Allerich, Alurich, Alrick, Auric and Auerich.
Ölrich is a relatively uncommon surname today, with some presence in the United States and parts of Europe, particularly Germany. It is estimated that some several thousand individuals bear the name.
In summary, the surname Ölrich is of German origin and is derived from the Old German personal name ‘Alerich’. As a surname, it is likely to have been used first in the Middle Ages. A number of variants of the name can be found today, and it is estimated that several thousand individuals bear the name.
Order DNA origin analysisÖlrich: Where does the name Ölrich come from?
The last name Ölrich is currently most commonly found in Germany, though it can be found in other parts of Europe and beyond, including in North America. In Germany it is found particularly in eastern parts of the country, especially in the states of Saxony Anhalt and Thuringia.
In Saxony Anhalt, the last name is especially common in the city of Magdeburg and its surrounding region. It is known to be found among the towns of Plötzky, Seeburg and Wiederstedt. Its prevalence in Thuringia is more widespread, being most common in the district of Eichsfeld, particularly in the towns of Dirbach, Eiterfeld, Grebenstein and Niederorschel. It can also be found in the city of Jena and its surrounding district.
In terms of international locations, there are currently some individuals with the last name Ölrich living in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania and in western parts of New York like Buffalo. It can also be found further south in the US, including in Florida, Texas and even California. Other individuals with the last name Ölrich can be found in Canada, particularly in Ontario.
Outside of Europe and North America, some individuals with the last name Ölrich can be found in Australia. This is particularly true for the state of Queensland, where the name is known to be concentrated in the areas of Brisbane, Bundaberg, Caboolture and Stanthorpe. It can be concentrated in certain areas of the UK, including Devon, Yorkshire and Hampshire.
Variations of the surname Ölrich
The surname Ölrich or Olrich is a common German surname with several spelling variants. The surname is derived from the Old German word for "ruler or mighty ruler". The surname appears many times in written records since the 16th century.
The most common spellings of the surname are "Ölrich" and "Olrich". However, there are additional spelling variants that appear in written records such as "Oelrich," "Oelriche," "Ölriche," and "Olyrich."
The surname has also been anglicized in various spellings, such as "Elrich," "Olrick," "Oelrick," and "Olerick."
A variant form of the surname is "Olrichs." This surname originated in central Germany and appears mainly in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Lastly, the surname "Uelrich" is a regional variant of the surname in East and West Prussia, where the surname first appeared in the late 16th century.
In conclusion, the surname Ölrich has several spelling variants and several surnames of the same origin, such as Olrich, Oelrich, Oelriche, Ölriche, Olyrich, Elrich, Olrick, Oelrick, Olerick, Olrichs, and Uelrich.
Famous people with the name Ölrich
- Jürgen Ölrich: Former journalist and Federal Minister for Nuclear Safety in Germany.
- Hubert Ölrich: Former professional ice hockey player who played in the Germany's Oberliga and the Swiss National League A.
- Otto Ölrich: German botanist and entomologist who became a professor and rector of the University of Greifswald.
- Herbert Ölrich: German classical and contemporary composer, pianist and harpsichordist.
- Fritz Ölrich: German actor who acted in many films, television series and plays during the 1950s.
- Ulli Ölrich: German painter and sculptor who began exhibiting her work in 1965.
- Friedel Ölrich: German equestrian and Olympic medalist who won silver in the 1964 Tokyo Summer Games.
- Uta Ölrich: German artist and children's book author.
- Dierk Ölrich: German filmmaker and cameraman who directed many documentaries.
- Manfred Ölrich: German racing cyclist who competed in the individual and team road race events in the 1960 Summer Olympics.