Surname Wöhlke - Meaning and Origin
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Wöhlke: What does the surname Wöhlke mean?
The last name Wöhlke is a German patronymic surname derived from the personal name Wöhl. The earliest form of the name is recorded as Wolh in 1378. The name is derived from the Old Germanic language times, specifically from the Middle High German word “wol”, which translates to mean “wolf”.
Traditionally, the last name was bestowed as a status symbol to those individuals with personal ties to wolves, such as shepherds and hunters. This practice was also common among other high-ranking families in feudal and medieval societies. Throughout the centuries, this practice evolved and developed to take on a more symbolic meaning. At times, the patronymic surname was used to represent strength and courage, similar to the powers of a wolf.
As with many variations of the surname Wöhlke, the spelling has changed and evolved over time. As such, the surname can also show up as Wolke, Woelke, Woelkel, Woehlke, Wölke, Wöhlk, and variations in spelling. In the region of Prussia, for example, the spelling of “Wöhlke” is predominant.
The last name Wöhlke is most commonly found in Germany, Prussia, and other regions of Northern Europe with a predominantly German-speaking population. It is also found in various parts of the United States, Australia, and Canada, as well as in some other countries with German immigrants and their descendants.
Order DNA origin analysisWöhlke: Where does the name Wöhlke come from?
Today, the last name Wöhlke is most commonly found in Germany and other German-speaking countries, such as Austria and Switzerland. According to Forebears, the surname is most densely populated in the northern German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with a density of 226 per million inhabitants. It is also popular in the nearby state of Brandenburg, as well as in the rest of northern and eastern Germany overall. In the year 2000, there were an estimated 7,400 people with the name Wöhlke living in Germany.
In addition, the name Wöhlke is also found further afield, both in other parts of Europe and beyond. For instance, it is also common in the Scandinavian countries and in Lithuania, with some people having emigrated from Germany during the 19th and 20th centuries. Furthermore, it is also found in North America, South Africa, Argentina, Peru, Australia, and New Zealand, mainly among descendants of German-speaking immigrants.
Overall, Wöhlke is most common in Germany and other German-speaking countries, but can also be found further afield, mainly among descendants of German-speaking immigrants.
Variations of the surname Wöhlke
The surname Wöhlke has several variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
One option is the spelling Woelke, which is another spelling variant of the Wöhlke surname. The Woelke spelling is often seen in countries such as Germany, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. It is also found in other countries.
Another variation of Wöhlke is Wohleb. The Wohleb spelling is often seen in places such as Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Germany. It is also found in various other countries.
The surname Wöhlk is another common variant of the Wöhlke surname. It is seen in places such as Germany, France, Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, and many other countries.
The German compound surnames Wöhlk-Otto and Wöhlk-Röhl are other variations of the Wöhlke surname.
The surname Woehlert and Woelert are other surnames of the same origin as Wöhlke. They are common in Germany and in some other countries.
The Polish spelling of Wöhlke is Wojłka or Wojłek.
And finally, the related surnames of Wöhlker, Woelker, Wohlfeld, and Wohlhagen are also variations of the Wöhlke surname.
In conclusion, Wöhlke is the original spelling of the surname, and there are many possible variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
Famous people with the name Wöhlke
- Marie Wöhlke, German synchronized swimmer.
- Wolfgang Wöhlke, German footballer.
- Sabine Wöhlke, German Brain Trainer and Life Coach.
- Ludwig Wöhlke, German swimmer.
- André Wöhlke, German competition shooter.
- Frederike Wöhlke, German Olympic dressage rider.
- Hans-Gerd Wöhlke, German director and screenwriter.
- Enrico Wöhlke, German Football Manager.
- Christina Wöhlke, Swiss physicist.
- Alexander Wöhlke, German entrepreneur and venture capitalist.
- Christian Christian Wöhlke, German musician and composer.
- Kevin Wöhlke, German football player.
- Bettina Wöhlke, German Paralympic athlete.
- Björn Wöhlke, German footballer.
- Lars Wöhlke, German footballer.
- Oda Wöhlke, German model and Instagram influencer.
- Sebastian Wöhlke, German footballer.
- Bernhard Wöhlke, German ophthalmologist.
- Michael Wöhlke, German gallerist.
- Ulrike Wöhlke, German radio moderator and producer.