Surname Wöhlking - Meaning and Origin
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Wöhlking: What does the surname Wöhlking mean?
The last name Wöhlking is German in origin. It is derived from the German term "wöhlken," meaning "to call, to proclaim, to cry out." This term is thought to be derived from an ancient Germanic root word, possibly connected with the Old High German word "wioli" which means "king." As such, Wöhlking could be interpreted to mean "royal proclamation" or "king's cry."
In English-speaking countries, Wöhlking has been anglicized and can be seen in various forms, such as Wohlfking, Wohlfeld, Wohlfing, and Wolffking. Other variants can be encountered in Germany too, such as Wohlfeldt, Wohlfarts, Wohlfingest, or Wohlsing, all derivatives of the original German Wöhlking.
The Wöhlking name may have its origins in the region of Teutonic Prussia, where a group of German settlers from Swabia, Mecklenburg and Pomerania sought refuge in the 12th century. This group of settlers formed part of the Rustemers, a group of colonizers who moved into eastern Europe during this period to escape war or persecution. The Wöhlking surname is thought to have emerged from this group of settlers, and is often associated with nobility in Germany.
The Wöhlking surname is believed to have had such royal connotations due to the prominent role of the Rustemers in the formation of Prussia. As such, it is associated with leadership, strength and success. This reputation would have been passed from generation to generation, the Wöhlking lifestyle and name were therefore cemented in German culture as a mark of power and strength.
Order DNA origin analysisWöhlking: Where does the name Wöhlking come from?
The last name Wöhlking is primarily found in Germany, primarily in the northern and central regions of the country. It is quite a rare surname and typically has Germanic origins. The name is derived from the middle High German word “wohlen”, meaning “to protect”.
This surname is currently found across much of northern and central Germany and is among the top 10,000 surnames in the region. For example, in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Saxony it appears among the top 4,000 surnames in each region.
Across Germany today, Wöhlking is typically found in the most populous areas of the country such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Frankfurt. But it is also common in the smaller towns and villages scattered throughout the country.
In recent years, Wöhlking has become increasingly common in other German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland. The surname can also be found in other European countries, particularly Belgium and the Netherlands, alongside small numbers of emigrants who have moved further afield to the United States and Canada.
Given its Germanic roots, the surname is also found among a distinct population in South Africa and other parts of the continent, most notably among the Afrikaner communities.
In conclusion, the last name Wöhlking is now found across Germany, as well as other German-speaking countries, other European countries, the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. It is a rare, but increasingly common surname.
Variations of the surname Wöhlking
The surname Wöhlking has a number of variants, spellings and other related surnames. The suffix ‘King’ at the end of the surname is indicative of German origin, a common feature of German surnames of nobility.
The most common alternative spellings of Wöhlking are Wohlking, Wohleking, Wöhleking, and Wohling. These spellings only vary minutely, with ‘e’ coming in to add a letter in the middle of the surname for example.
The surname Wöhlking is also recorded under the alternative spelling of Woehlking in some older records in the 1800s, as well as under the surname Wohelking.
Surnames that are related to Wöhlking include Wohlen, also recorded as Woelle and Woellee and Wohlenberg, recorded as Woellenburg and even Welenburgh. Other German-origin surnames that may be related include Wehling and Woling.
The Wöhlking surname has been recorded across Europe, as well as in the Americas, Australia and New Zealand where immigrants took the surname to start new lives.
For those tracing their family history, records of Wöhlking are available at the German National Archives, as well as on sites like ancestry.com and familysearch.org.
Famous people with the name Wöhlking
- Ray Wöhlking: a Canadian musician born in 1955 who is best known for his role as bassist in the band Lifehouse.
- Jens Wöhlking: a German music producer who has worked with artists such as Konstantin Gropper, Ivy Quainoo, and Annett Louisan.
- Niko Wöhlking: a German actor, singer, and songwriter, best known for his work in the television series Alarm for Cobra 11: The Motorway Police.
- Thomas Wöhlking: a German member of the Hessian state parliament, representing the far-right AfD party.
- Gisela Wöhlking: a German historian and professor at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg.
- Julia Wöhlking: a German equestrian athlete and Olympic medalist who has competed at the Summer Olympics on multiple occasions.
- Sven Wöhlking: a German football player who plays as a goalkeeper for Chemnitzer FC.
- Reiner Wöhlking: a German musician who was the lead singer of the rock-pop band Jessy&We.
- Timo Wöhlking: a German professional basketball player who currently plays for the Basketball Löwen Braunschweig.
- Andreas Wöhlking: a German curler who has competed in several international tournaments.