Surname Wenholz - Meaning and Origin
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Wenholz: What does the surname Wenholz mean?
The last name Wenholz is of German origin, and is derived from the term "Wendelholz," meaning "wandering wood." The Germanic Wendelholz was first adopted as a surname by people in the early Middle Ages. This last name is derived from a type of tree found in the forests of Germany—the silver birch—which was used to build small boats, for a type of water-logging technique used in agriculture, and as a source of firewood.
In the context of the last name 'Wenholz', it could be interpreted as “one who lives near wandering wood” or as “one with a wandering path or journey”; referring to those who once moved from one area to another, using the birch tree to construct makeshift boats and build shelters. It may also be reflective of the resourcefulness and cunning of some of the people who lived in Germany during this time, who used the birch wood for so many different uses.
Today, the surname 'Wenholz' remains a distinctive reminder of a particular culture, and is a reflection of the resourcefulness and adaptability of the people of Germany in the Middle Ages. Moreover, the connection to the silver birch tree also serves as a reminder of the importance of taking good care of nature, and how it can provide us with basic necessities.
Order DNA origin analysisWenholz: Where does the name Wenholz come from?
The last name Wenholz is of German origin. Today, the name is most commonly found in the countries that once comprised pre-WWII Germany, as well as in countries with a large German diaspora such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Brazil. In the US, the highest concentration of individuals with the surname Wenholz is located in Pennsylvania, followed by New Jersey, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
The Wenholz surname is derived from a German placename, either Wähne or Wenhayn, which are both found in northern Germany as well as in central and eastern Germany. The surnames have also spread with the mass emigration of Germans in the 19th century, although some variations of the last name may be from other countries.
In recent times, the Wenholz family has been kept connected through a series of publications, most notably, the “Hanbuch der Deutschen Familien”, or the German Directory of Families. Additionally, technology has allowed for further branching of the Wenholz family tree through databases and genealogical websites.
Variations of the surname Wenholz
The surname Wenholz has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Variants of the surname include Von Wenholz, Wenhold, Wenholdt, Wenholtz, Wenholds, Wenholts, Wenhulst, Wenhulsts, Wenhollst, Wenhollsts, Wenhuls, Wenhulss, Wenhulsts, Winholtz and Winholz. Spellings of the surname include Wenholtz, Wenhollz, Wenholds, Wenhuls, Wenhulst, and Wenholst.
Surnames that may also have the same origin as Wenholz include Winholz, Velmour, Vilmour, Villmour, Willmour, Velmoor, Wielmont, Wemont, Whalen, Wahl, Walmyr, Walmoys, Wahlman, Wehlins, Wahlins, Weilius, Wayland, Wllmott, Wellman, Wielemans, and Willemans.
In addition, surnames from other countries may also have been adapted from Wenholz. These include Italians surnames Wincolo, Vincole or Vincolo, Hungarians surnames Ujhelyi, Ujhelyes or Ujhelyak, and Dutch surnames Wensel, Wessel and Wasson.
The origins of the surname Wenholz is found in Old German, with the meaning “from Wenholz”. It likely started before the 13th century, when people began to take surnames. The first documented instance of Wenholz is in the Netherlands in 1572. Later branches of the family spread to Germany, Scandinavia and Poland.
Regardless of what variant, spelling or surname its from, the surname Wenholz has a common source of Germanic origin.
Famous people with the name Wenholz
- Jamie Wenholz: Political Analyst and Host of the ‘Truth About Everything’ radio show.
- Phillip Wenholz: Actor, best known for his roles in the films ‘High School Musical 2’ and ‘Disney’s Halloweentown.’
- Virginia Yount-Wenholz: Feature film writer, who has written scripts for several Disney films.
- Stuart Wenholz: Professional golfer who has won two PGA Tour events.
- Nicolette Wenholz: Singer-songwriter from the UK who released her debut studio album in 2018.
- Sam Wenholz: Emmy-nominated television writer and producer known for his work on the sitcoms ‘Friends’ and ‘Everybody Loves Raymond.’
- Emily Wenholz: Emmy Award-winning sound engineer who works regularly in the television industry.
- Peter Wenholz: Art historian and professor at the University of California, Berkeley.
- Brody Wenholz: Professional hockey player in the NHL, currently playing for the Minnesota Wild.
- Jonah Wenholz: Grammy-nominated jazz saxophonist who has collaborated with numerous renowned jazz artists.