Surname Wohlgethan - Meaning and Origin

Wohlgethan: What does the surname Wohlgethan mean?

The last name Wohlgethan is of German descent and is derived from a toponymic name signifying a place of origin. It can be translated to mean from Wohlge, the base of which is the Middle High German word "gewalch" that means "a kind of arable land". This type of land was usually used for pasture and is usually associated with mountain meadows. Traditionally, Wohlgethan was used as a surname for someone who was from the region around Wohlge, which was located in the former state of Bavaria near the modern day town of Nürnberg.

The literal translation of Wohlgethan is 'the meadow of those from Wohlge.' This name can also be looked at a different way; in German, wohl means ‘well’, gethan is derived from the Old High German word “gedan” meaning "to do". Therefore, Wohlgethan could also be translated to mean 'one who has done well.'

Over time, Wohlgethan has evolved from its toponymic roots, and is now most closely associated with the German word ‘wohl’, meaning ‘well’. This reflects the independent nature and determination of the people who have carried this name down through the centuries, consistently doing well in whatever they have undertaken.

The name Wohlgethan continues to be found throughout Europe, with traceable routes going back to the 16th century when the German word ‘wohl’ was first used. It is a testament to the strength and perseverance of the Wohlgethan families and their descendants that such a strong and endearing last name has been able to exist for centuries.

Wohlgethan: Where does the name Wohlgethan come from?

The last name Wohlgethan is most commonly found in Germany. It is especially prevalent in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg, as both were once the home of many Wohlgethan families back in the 17th century.

Today, there are still plenty of Wohlgethan families living in Germany, mainly concentrated in the large cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, and Dusseldorf. Specifically in Bavaria, the cities of Munich, Augsburg, and Nuremberg are popular areas with a significant number of Wohlgethan members.

However, the family's presence is not limited to Germany. A number of Wohlgethans have spread throughout Europe, the United States, and Canada. In the US, the family's name can be found in states such as New York and Pennsylvania, while in Canada, cities such as Toronto and Vancouver may have members.

Though some have changed to more Americanized versions of their last name, such as Wolfer or Wooler, Wohlgethan is still a recognizable German surname that is being carried on through generations of families no matter where they live.

Variations of the surname Wohlgethan

The surname Wohlgethan is of German origin that can be derived from two distinct sources; from the Dutch origin as Wouters or Wouwres and from the German origin as Wolltegen or Wellgetan. Wohlgethan is a compound name that is made up of the elements “wohl” which means “well” and “gethan” which means “done.”

The various spellings and variants of the Wohlgethan surname include: Wohgethan, Wohgeton, Wohgitan, Wohlghtein, Woelgethan, Wolgethan, Wolghgen, Wolghetan, Wollgetahn, Woolgeton, Wouters, Wouwres, Woullgetan, Woullgetahn, Wullgen, Wellgetan, Wester and Weisser.

The presence of different variants of the same surname is due to various historical and cultural factors combined with phonetic differences due to regional dialects and accents. For centuries, people who spoke the same language used different spellings and dialects to pronounce words. Consequently, over time, various versions of the same surname were created which, in turn, have given rise to many different variant spellings.

The Wohlgethan surname is found among members of the Jewish and Protestant religions as well as those of French, Dutch and German descent. Because of the numerous variations, it is sometimes difficult to trace an individual’s ancestral heritage. However, with the help of historical records and genealogical research, it is possible to discover more about a person’s family history and discover the different variants of the same surname.

Famous people with the name Wohlgethan

• Uwe Wohlgethan: a German composer, musician, and music producer. He is best known for his releases with the band Amber Run and his work with artists such as Låpsley, HUBRIS, and Jake Isaac.
• Michael Wohlgethan: an American lawyer, lobbyist, and political consultant. He has served at the highest levels of the Republican National Committee (RNC) and worked for several campaigns, including the candidacies of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney.
• Rudolf Wohlgethan: an Austrian politician and a member of the National Council of Austria. He is a Member of the Social Democratic Party of Austria and has been Chairman of the Common fraction of the City of Vienna in Parliament since 2012.
• Friedrich Wohlgethan: a German field marshal during World War I. He is best known for his defensive campaigns in Galicia and Bukovina as a part of the Austro-Hungarian Army.
• Emil Wohlgethan: a German sculptor and painter. He is best known for crafting the Cemetery of the Fallen Warriors statue in Neunkirchen, Germany, depicting soldiers mourning their fallen comrades.
• Ernst Wohlgethan: a German businessman and art collector. He is best known as a co-founder of the Galerie Wohlgethan in Munich and his work to promote modern painting and sculpture in the 1920s.
• Therese Wohlgethan: a Swiss-born American actress, artist, and writer. She is best known for her role as Clarissa Thackery on the series Our Private World, as well as her self-portrait and sculpture work on view at galleries in New York City.

Other surnames

Wohlgetan