Surname Wölffing - Meaning and Origin
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Wölffing: What does the surname Wölffing mean?
The German surname Wölffing is derived from the place name Wolfring, derived from a combination of two Old High German words: wulf (wolf) and ring (ring). It can also mean “protected by the ring of the wolf”.
The surname can also be found in other German-speaking countries, such as Austria, Switzerland and South Tyrol. The name can also be found in other countries such as Denmark, Sweden, Hungary, Netherlands, Belgium and the United States.
The origin of the name Wölffing dates back to the Middle Ages, when a man-made wall or earthen rampart built to protect a community, was named after wolves because of its sharp teeth and defensive attitude: a wolf ring.
Generally, the Wölffing family is considered part of the upper class in German society that is passionate about preserving their traditions and culture. It is widely believed that those who bear this name come from a noble heritage, and up until today, the last name is still seen as a mark of excellence in Germany.
Wölffing is not a commonly used surname today and not many people in the world share it. Despite this, the name is still associated with a long lasting heritage, and is used to support noble roots and traditions in the generations ahead.
Order DNA origin analysisWölffing: Where does the name Wölffing come from?
The last name Wölffing can be found mostly in Germany today; more specifically, in the states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and North Rhine-Westphalia. Data from the German Genealogical Society states that the name is most commonly found in the city of Hamburg, followed by Cologne and Berlin.
The meaning of the name is believed to be derived from the German word 'wildfang', which translates to 'wild capture' in English. The name is thought to have been originally adopted by someone from a rural area, most likely a hunter or trapper, and later passed down throughout the generations.
Wölffing is also a common surname in Switzerland and Austria, with the population in both countries totaling around 500. In areas such as Prague and the Czech Republic, the name is spelled Wolffing.
The Wölffing family is believed to have been an influential one in Germany in the past. Evidence of members of the family holding prestigious positions can be seen as far back as the 11th century.
Overall, Wölffing is a relatively common last name today, mostly found in German-speaking areas, although sometimes seen in other parts of Europe. It generally carries the same meaning as its ancestor did many centuries ago, and will likely continue to be an important name in German history.
Variations of the surname Wölffing
Wölffing is a German surname, most commonly found in the Bavarian region of Germany, that derives from the German word “wolf,” meaning wolf. It is believed that the surname was an occupational name given to someone who worked as a hunter or guard.
The variants of the surname Wölffing include the German spelling Wolfing, Wölfling, Wölfele and Wülffel; the Dutch spelling Wolfing and Wolffinge; and the English spelling Woolf and Woolfing.
The surnames derived from the same origin include Wölfer, Wolfram, Wolfersberger, Wolfart, Woelfle, Willie, Wolfenstein, and Wolff.
In addition to its regional variants, the surname Wölffing may also have minor spelling variations such as Wolffing, Wolffinger, Woelfing, Woelffling, and Wilffing.
The surname Wölffing is most commonly found among people of German descent. Therefore, it is likely to be found among people of German ethnicity living in other countries. Furthermore, due to Germany’s long history of emigration and migration, the surname Wölffing may also be found in countries all over the world including the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America.
Famous people with the name Wölffing
- Laura Wölffing: She is a German actor best known for role in the 2011 German comedy-drama series Krabat
- Christian Wölffing: He was a German printmaker, publisher, and painter. He became a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bavaria.
- August Wölffing: He was a German theologian and philosopher.
- Nicola Wölffing: She was a German mosaic artist.
- Christian Wölffing Jr: He was the son of the German printmaker, publisher, and painter Christian Wölffing.
- Carl Wölffing: He was a German painter, graphic artist and illustrator.
- Samuel Wölffing: He was a German mosaic artist who worked in the Italian neo-romantic tradition.
- Alida Wölffing: Alida Wölffing was a German stage and film actress.
- Clemens Wölffing: He was a German prelate of the Roman Catholic Church.
- Josefina Wölffing: She was a Spanish-born German actress and soprano.