Surname Wogalter - Meaning and Origin
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Wogalter: What does the surname Wogalter mean?
The surname Wogalter is not common and its exact origin and meaning are not easily traceable in standard databases of surnames. It appears to be of Eastern European, possibly Jewish Ashkenazic origin. But this is an assumption based on the sound and structure of the name rather than on concrete data. Findings suggest it might be a patronymic or occupational surname, but without specific historical or cultural context, precise interpretations remain speculative. Like many surnames, it could have originated from a profession, location, a father's first name, or some personal characteristic. It is important to note that the meaning of a surname can differ significantly based on regional differences and linguistic evolution over centuries. Confirming the precise meaning and origin would require more specialized genealogical research.
Order DNA origin analysisWogalter: Where does the name Wogalter come from?
The last name Wogalter is of German origin, and the name is still quite common in Germany today. According to Ancestry.com, there are about 2,000 Wogalters living in Germany today. Many Wogalters also immigrated to the United States and it is a fairly common last name here, specifically in Pennsylvania. According to family records kept by the Immigration History Research Center at the University of Minnesota, at least seventy Wogalters moved to America between the years of 1866 and 1935.
The last name Wogalter can also be found in Switzerland, where there are around 200 people with that last name. Similarly, there are about 178 people living in the United Kingdom who have the last name Wogalter and a few hundred living in countries like France, Australia, Canada, and the Netherlands.
Wogalters can be traced to the medieval ages, beginning as a form of the Bavarian surnames "Wogler", "Wagler", or "Woggler". The earliest form of the last name was "Wogeler" and was used in a region of German known as Bavaria, which is located close to the Austrian border.
The name is believed to be associated with nobility because it was often used by medieval families who held prominent positions within courts and other government institutions. Today, it is a fairly common last name in the Western world, though it is still relatively rare compared to other Germanic last names.
Variations of the surname Wogalter
The surname Wogalter is of German origin and has been found throughout North and South America, including the United States and parts of Canada. It can also be found in parts of Europe, notably Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, and Switzerland. Variants of the surname can be spelled as Wogelter, Wogalter, Wuogelter, Vogalter, Voogelter, Vogelter, and Woogelter.
In some cases, Wogalter is found spelled as Wochalter, Wockalter, Wokalter, and Wokelter. Another version seen in some areas is Vogtaler, possibly a reference to a Vogt, a German magistrate or official.
In some instances, the spelling of "Wogalter" has been changed to Wagner, which is a German surname derived from the Old High German word "waganari" which translates to “wagon maker” or “wagon wright”. Other variations of Wogalter to be found in various areas include: Wagalters, Waggelters, Waggalters, Wagnerter, Waggonter, and Wagelnter.
The surname Wogalter is a testament to the global nature of family names, and the variety of spellings and variants found in different regions of the world. Although all of these surnames share a common German origin, their meanings may have slightly changed over time to reflect local customs or dialect.
Famous people with the name Wogalter
- Mike Wogalter: An American psychologist and professor at North Carolina State University, Mike Wogalter is best known for his research into product safety and human factors. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the field, including the National Academy of Sciences Award for Occupational Health Psychology and the National Safety Council's highest award for his research and contributions to safety.
- Willie Wogalter: A former Major League Baseball player, Willie Wogalter mainly pitched for the Cincinnati Reds from 1961–1963. He was a standout player for the Reds from 1961 to 1962, boasting an impressive record of 10-12 ERA in those two years.
- Fred Wogalter: A successful 19th century American painter, Fred Wogalter was a member of the Hudson River School and painted in a range of styles. His works included oil paintings, engravings, lithographs, watercolors, and other works that are now in collections in museums across the United States.
- Walter Wogalter: A German-American actor, Walter Wogalter worked in a range of productions from 1927 to 1961, including films such as Casablanca and Imitation of Life. He also appeared in several radio shows such as Inner Sanctum Mysteries and The Adventures of the Texas Kid.
- Harry Wogalter: An American attorney and chemist, Harry Wogalter was a partner at several different law firms throughout his career and was instrumental in the development of synthetic rubber after World War II. He was a respected figure in the legal and scientific communities and was later awarded the Medal of Merit by President Harry Truman.