Surname Wallrad - Meaning and Origin
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Wallrad: What does the surname Wallrad mean?
The surname Wallrad is of German origin. It is believed to be derived from the Old German name Waldar, meaning 'ruler of the woods'. This implies that the original bearers of this surname had connections to the forests and may have even been employed as forest officials.
The use of Wallrad as a surname was first documented in the year 1160 in the German town of Munzenberg, located in the present-day Hesse region. By the 1200s, the Wallrad family had moved to other parts of Germany, such as the Bremen region. They took on roles in politics, the military, and industry, so that their surname has been linked to many well-known German figures over the centuries.
In the US, the Wallrad family can be traced to an immigrant that arrived in Pennsylvania in 1740. The Wallrads moved around the country, settling in places like New York and Ohio as well. During their travels, they kept their family name, mixing with other immigrants as well as Native Americans.
Not much is known about the origin and history of Wallrad, but what can be inferred is that it is a family that is very diverse and has a strong German connection. It is a reminder that families, regardless of their origin, have a shared story and a past that should be celebrated and cherished.
Order DNA origin analysisWallrad: Where does the name Wallrad come from?
The last name Wallrad is most commonly found today in Germany's Baden-Württemberg region, as well as parts of Rhineland-Palatinate, the largest state in Germany. This region lies on the border of France, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, making it a culturally diverse area with a rich history. As of 2021, more than 1,600 people in the region are known to carry the last name Wallrad.
It is believed that the origin of the Wallrad name is Germanic, with the earliest recorded mention of the surname dated in 1259. From this, it is thought that the name is derived from an ancient root meaning 'foreigner'. It's likely that those bearing the name were once immigrants, and came in search of a better life.
The Wallrad name is far less common outside of Germany, with members of the Wallrad family being spread around the world as a result of emigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, it is still found in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
The Wallrad family is still represented in many parts of the world today, and its presence can be seen in its unique name that remains an integral part of many people's family heritage.
Variations of the surname Wallrad
The surname Wallrad is thought to have originated in Germany during the Middle Ages, although its exact origins remain unknown. The common spelling of the name today is Wallrad, with various alternative spellings including Walrad, Walraad, Walraed, Walrade, and Walrath. Variations in the spelling of the name primarily occurred due to variations in language dialects.
Wallrad is also known as an anglicized version of the name. This version of the name is the result of immigration to English speaking countries, primarily to North America and Britain. In the United States, Wallrad can also be spelled Welrod or Wallerot. In Scotland, the anglicized form of the name is Walters. Other variants of the name include Vaullrad, Vollrat, Vollraed, and Vollraat.
In addition to these surnames and spellings, there are various other surnames of German origin that have similar origins to Wallrad. Examples include Walradt, Walrath, Walkradt, Walcker, and Waldker.
Wallrad remains a fairly uncommon surname been found in Germany, the Netherlands, and mainly in countries where German immigrants and their descendants settled, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is likely to remain so, given its uncommon spelling.
Famous people with the name Wallrad
- Johann Georg Wallrad (1709: 1782), Archbishop of Mainz, the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order and Prince-Bishop of Regensburg.
- Carl Wallrad (1854: 1937), German painter and etcher.
- Ludwig Wallrad von Plettenberg (1864: 1934), Prussian general of the infantry and later politician.
- Emil Wallrad (1877: 1945), politician of the Social Democratic Party of Germany.
- Fritz Wallrad von Prittwitz und Gaffron (1887: 1940), World War I German general and recipient of the Pour le Mérite.
- Hans Wallrad (1919: 2003), German glider pilot for the Luftwaffe in World War II.
- Walter Wallrad (1921: 1990), German jurist, politician and district administrator of the district of Unna.
- Horst Wallrad (1922: 2002), German politician and member of the Bundestag from 1965 to 1969.
- Rüdiger Wallrad (Brother of Horst Wallrad) (born 1928), German author, publisher and journalist.
- Georg Wallrad von Rothenfels (born 1935), ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Holy See.