Surname Wohlschlager - Meaning and Origin
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Wohlschlager: What does the surname Wohlschlager mean?
The last name Wohlschlager is of German origin and is derived from two elements: “wohl” meaning ‘well’ and “schlager” meaning ‘singer.’ Collectively, the name translates to ‘singer of well-being’ and is thought to have been first used during the Middle Ages as a descriptive surname for a professional storyteller or minstrel, who performed music in taverns and other public spaces to bring cheer and joy to those who listened.
Over the years, the surname Wohlschlager gradually spread across Europe, evolving in various languages as it traveled. It remains common today, particularly in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. In the United States, Wohlschlager is most heavily found in Pennsylvania, with communities in Ohio, Indiana, and Washington DC also having concentrations of this surname.
The message behind the name Wohlschlager represents a long-held tradition of spreading positivity and joy, just as the original minstrels did so long ago. Such an image is a fitting legacy for a family, one that speaks of a shared commitment to making the world a better, brighter place.
Order DNA origin analysisWohlschlager: Where does the name Wohlschlager come from?
The last name Wohlschlager is most commonly found in Germany today. The name dates back to the Middle Ages and is first recorded in the 16th century in the Palatinate region of Germany. It is derived from the Middle High German words "wol" and "schlag," meaning "strong hit" or "blow," so it likely originally referred to a strong or powerful person.
In more recent times, the last name Wohlschlager has been concentrated primarily in Germany's Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia states. This includes the cities of Berlin, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Cologne, and Munich. The name is also present in other European countries, particularly in Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It is also occasionally reported in the United States, likely due to 19th century German immigrants.
In Germany today, the last name Wohlschlager is a relatively uncommon one, though it is still seen in abundance in its original Palatinate region. It is an especially rare name in other parts of the world. However, with the popularity of genealogy research and the dispersal of the German diaspora, it is likely that the name will become more visible globally in the coming years.
Variations of the surname Wohlschlager
The surname Wohlschlager is of German origin and is derived from the German word "wohlschlagen", which means to swing or strike. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Wohlschlager are Wolgslager, Wahlslager, Wohslager, Wohlslager, Wohleslager, Wohelslager, Wellslager, Walselager, Walzlager, Wollslager, Woelslager, Wolschlaeger, Woelselager, Walselschlager, Welselager, Walselsager, Wolschlaeger, Woeschlaeger, Wollschlager, Woellschlager, Welschlager, Woelscherlager, Wohlscherlager, Wolschlager, Walselager, Walzlager, Wollselager, Woelselager and many other variants.
The same origin surnames for Wohlschlager can also be found in other countries where German immigrants have settled. These variants include Wohlschalger in Austria, Wohlschleger in Switzerland, Wohlschaelger in Belgium, Wohlschaegel in the Netherlands, Wohlschaenger in Canada, Wohlschlagel in the United States and Wohlschalger in Australia.
The surnames Wohlschlager and its various forms are quite common throughout the German-speaking countries. The surnames have evolved over time based on the phonetic sounds of the spelling. It is also common for the spelling of Northern Germany to differ from that of the Central and Southern Germany.
Famous people with the name Wohlschlager
- Lena Wohlschlager: Lena is an American Freeride World Tour champion snowboarder.
- Darcy Wohlschlager: Darcy is a Canadian extreme skiing champion, freestyle skier, ski coach, and resort owner.
- Anna Wohlschlager: Anna is an Irish former professional road cyclist.
- Mike Wohlschlager: Mike is an American former baseball player who played for the Baltimore Orioles in the MLB.
- Ulli Wohlschlager: Ulli is a German weightlifter who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics.
- Jeff Wohlschlager: Jeff is an American professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman for the ECHL's Reading Royals.
- Volker Wohlschlager: Volker is a German sprint canoeist and Olympic medal winner who competed in the 1976 and 1980 Summer Olympics.
- Brian Wohlschlager: Brian is a retired American professional ice hockey player who played nine seasons in the NHL.
- Vincent Wohlschlager: Vincent is a French competitive sailor who won a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
- Dirk Wohlschlager: Dirk is a German former professional road cyclist who competed in the 1973 Tour de France.