Surname Wodack - Meaning and Origin
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Wodack: What does the surname Wodack mean?
The last name Wodack is thought to be of Germanic origin. It likely derives from the Middle High German words “wot” and “ac”, both of which mean “water” or “stream”. While the words are likely related to water, it’s probably more accurate to describe the surname as being descriptive about a particular region or location. It could refer to someone who comes from a place near a stream, or, more likely, lives right on the banks of a river or lake.
The earliest records of the name are found in Bavaria, a state in South Germany. But the name has since spread around Europe and the world. Now, it is found primarily in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary, but is also associated with many other countries, like the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Speaking about the character from the surname, it potentially suggests someone who is adaptive and resilient. You have to be willing to adjust to the ever-changing banks of a river or the unpredictable nature of a lake in order to thrive near them. This could be said of anyone with the last name Wodack.
Order DNA origin analysisWodack: Where does the name Wodack come from?
The surname Wodack is commonly found in many different countries today. In the United States, those with the last name Wodack are mainly found in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. Outside of the United States, the name Wodack is most common in Austria and Germany, where it is an archetypal, traditional surname. In Austria, it is likely to be found in large cities such as Vienna and Salzburg, as well as in small rural areas. In Germany, the name is highly common in Bavarian places, such as Munich, Nuremberg, and Ulm. Additionally, it can be found in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, which is in the same geographical region as BIT. Lastly, the last name Wodack is also found throughout the Netherlands.
In general, the surname Wodack is believed to have originated from a place name derived from an Old High German word meaning “wood” and an Olde English term meaning “oak tree”. Throughout the centuries, the name has spread from its roots in the Alpine region to many countries around the world. Today, it is a common surname, and is particularly associated with German-speaking countries.
Variations of the surname Wodack
The surname Wodack is of German and Dutch origin. It is derived from several variations of the name including, Wodak, Wodack, Wodaks, Wodack, and Wodicker.
The spelling Wodak is commonly found in Germany, while Wodack and Wodacks are more commonly found in Dutch speaking countries. The spelling of Wodacker is sometimes seen in Austria.
The surname Wodack itself is thought to have derived from the Middle High German word "wodac" meaning a warlike person or warrior. Historically, it was used to describe a person who had acquitted himself bravely in battle.
The spelling variants of Wodack are sometimes seen with the addition of an "er" at the end, as in Wodacker, and when this happens, the surname is usually given to someone of higher class or noble birth, and generally only to men.
The surname Wodack is fairly common in Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland and Austria, and is also seen in some other countries throughout Europe.
In America, Wodack is generally seen as having been anglicized to Wodock, Woo-dock and Woodock.
Famous people with the name Wodack
- Garret Wodack: former professional ice hockey player
- Chandler Wodack: award-winning musician from Southern California
- Kat Wodack: professional dancer and choreographer
- Corey Wodack: award-winning graphic artist, web designer, and entrepreneur
- Dr. Anthony Wodack: Olympic level instructor in Biomechanics
- Lena Wodack: blogger and author
- Alex Wodack: professional golfer
- Jenny Wodack: pop rock singer-songwriter
- Austin Wodack: world-renowned chef and restaurateur
- Kim Wodack: award-winning actress and comedian