Surname Woellhoff - Meaning and Origin

Woellhoff: What does the surname Woellhoff mean?

The last name Woellhoff is of German origin. It comes from the Middle High German word “willec” meaning will or wish, and the word “hoff” meaning court or noble house. Collectively, it is believed to have been used to denote someone from a noble house or family.

The Woellhoff surname can be found in records dating back to the 13th century, when a Hainz Wölhoff was listed as a witness at a court in Magdeburg, Germany in 1295. Over the following centuries, the name spread as families moved throughout Germany, and also abroad to other countries. During the 19th century, many people bearing the name migrated to the United States, largely from the state of Bavaria, and the name can still be found throughout the US today.

Other possible variants of the surname include Wöllhoff, Woelhoff, Woellhoef, Wöhlhoff, Welhoff and Wöllhöff. In some cases, the name has been changed to Wolllhoff, Volhoff, Vollhoff, Wollhaupt or Wellhöff in the United States.

Today, the Woellhoff surname is thought to be one of the two hundred most common surnames in Germany. It is a proud symbol of a family’s heritage and connection to their German roots.

Woellhoff: Where does the name Woellhoff come from?

The surname WOELLHOFF is most common in the German-speaking world, including Germany, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. The surname is also found in Northern France, as well as in other northern European countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, England, and Poland. The surname is derived from the Germanic personal name "Wuolgari" or Walhari, which translates to mean "influential person".

In modern times, the WOELLHOFF surname is most commonly found in Germany, with more than 4,000 individuals carrying the surname. Germany is home to many small towns and villages with the surname, mostly located in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Lower Saxony.

In Switzerland, the surname is also concentrated in the same three regions as Germany. The surname is particularly prevalent in the canton of Lucerne, bordering Germany, where it is the 36th most common surname, with over 500 individuals carrying the name.

In Luxembourg, the surname is still relatively common, with 92 individuals carrying the name in the year 2000, and 74 people in the year 2020. The surname goes as far north as the Netherlands and Denmark, where it is most common in the cities of Amsterdam and Copenhagen, respectively.

In England, the surname is more commonly found in counties bordering Germany and the Netherlands, such as Kent, Hertfordshire, and Essex. The surname is also carried by a small number of individuals in the United States, mostly in Pennsylvania, California, Illinois, and New York.

Variations of the surname Woellhoff

The Woellhoff surname is found in many forms throughout the world. Variants of the name include Woellhof, Wöllhof, Woelhoff, Wöhlhoff, Wollhoff, and Wellhof. Spellings of the name have also evolved over time and might include Withoff, Wellhoff, Woullof, Woelof, and Woelhauf.

Detailed records of the origins of the Woellhoff surname back to the 15th century, when it was first written down. The name originated in Germany, particularly in the southern region of Bavaria. It spread to other parts of Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries, as various branches of families moved throughout Europe.

In addition to the Woellhoff surname, there are also a variety of other names of the same origin. Some of these include Wöllhauf, Woullhauf, Wöhlhein, Wöhlheuer, Woullhöfer, Wahlheim, Wellheim, Wöhlhörster, Wellen, Wöhlhuber, and Wöhlhaupt.

These surnames and their spellings have also evolved over time, influenced by language, geography, and various social structures. This is why it is important to research and understand the language and specific area where the Woellhoff surname is thought to have originated.

Ultimately, the Woellhoff surname is one that has been around for centuries, with many different spellings and variations making it difficult to trace the original inhabitants of the name. As the world continues to modernize and research methods and records improve, more information is likely to be found, providing more detailed insights into the history of the Woellhoff surname.

Famous people with the name Woellhoff

• Frank Woellhoff: A German journalist, television presenter, and chef, known for his extensive work on television programs such as Frontal21 and Illner.
• Jakob Woellhoff: A former German professional footballer who played primarily for SV Wilhelmshaven.
• Nick Woellhoff: A German director who directed films like Donaudämmerung and Nico, 1988.
• Florian Woellhoff: A former German professional footballer who was a striker for clubs like SV Darmstadt 98 and FC Ingolstadt 04.
• Alec Woellhoff: An American fitness trainer and former collegiate soccer player. He has worked with notable athletes like Stephen Curry and Nate Robinson.
• Julien Woellhoff: A former French professional football player who had Alto Marítimo as his last club.
• Markus Woellhoff: A former German professional footballer who spent most of his career in the German fourth division.
• Stephan Woellhoff: A German bobsledder who participated in the 1998 Winter Olympics.
• Diana Woellhoff: A German Paralympic swimmer who won a bronze medal in the 2016 Paralympics.
• Jörg Woellhoff: A former German professional cyclist who competed in several Vuelta a España races.

Other surnames

Woellhof