Surname Wolfort - Meaning and Origin

Wolfort: What does the surname Wolfort mean?

Wolfort is a historically rare surname that is likely derived from a combination of Old English and Germanic roots. The Old English meaning "wulf" was used to refer to a wolf, while the Germanic term "forte" means strong. Together, they form the surname Wolfort, which may translate to "strong wolf," suggesting strength and ferocity. This could be a reference to the wealth and power held by the family, or simply to their strength of character.

The Wolfort name became tangible in the 12th century with records of lands and possessions held by Richard de Wolfort, in the West Sussex area of England, and records of the Lucas de Wolfort, in Bedfordshire. It has since spread to other regions of England, Germany, and elsewhere.

Although family historians have not yet discovered a crests or coats of arms to symbolize the courage, power, and strength most likely associated with the Wolfort family, they may have exercised significant power and influence in their communities. The strength of the Wolfort surname has been admired since its origins in the early days of Anglo-Saxon England, and its legacy is still felt today.

Wolfort: Where does the name Wolfort come from?

The last name Wolfort is not particularly common in any one part of the world today. It appears to be of English origin, with the earliest recorded reference being that of Geoffrey de Wolforten in 1285, in the county of Essex.

It is thought that the family name may have originated in Normandy, which is now part of France. In the 12th century, a Walter de Walefort was recorded in the Domesday Book as living in the county of Suffolk.

Today the last name is most commonly found in the UK as well as the North American continent. In the United Kingdom, the number of Wolfort households has increased slightly in line with the population growth over time. In the United States, the last name Wolfort can be found mostly in those states where there were large numbers of immigrants from the British Isles in the 19th century, such as Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

The Wolfort family in Pennsylvania is particularly well known, as descendants of an immigrant by the name of James Wolfort. He settled in Berks County in the mid-18th century, and there are numerous descendants of his living in the area today.

Variations of the surname Wolfort

The surname Wolfort is derived from a number of different language sources. The origins of the surname can be traced back as far as the 12th century, when the name was first found in England. In England the surname is thought to have been derived from either the English, German or Dutch word "Waldfort" meaning a keep or fortified place in a forest. The oldest form of the name in the British Isles is thought to have been "de Wulliford", with variations such as Wilford, Willfort, Williford, Walford and Woulford.

The German spelling of the name is "Wolforth" or "Wolford" and the Dutch form is "Wolffort". Another variation of Wolfort is "Woolford", which is derived from the Middle English "Wulforde" and was first recorded in East Anglia in 1273.

In Scotland Wolfort can be found as a sept of the Clan MacKenzie, which was first recorded in 1566 as "Wollfurde". Variations of the surname in Scotland include "MacWolford" and "MacWillford", with some variants also being found in Ireland.

In France, the Wolfort surname is first recorded in 1216 as "de Ulliford". A branch of this French family later moved to Hungary and can be found as "Ullifor".

The surname can be found in many other countries, such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and the United States. Variations of the name now include Wolfort, Wollfort, Wolford, Woelford, and Woolford.

Famous people with the name Wolfort

• Joseph Wolfort: professional basketball player who has been playing since 2019.
• Greg Wolfort: American aerospace engineer and professor at Georgia Tech University.
• Liz Wolfort: American documentary filmmaker and founder of Soulful Productions.
• Francine Wolfort: French politician who served as a Member of European Parliament from 2009-2019.
• Eleanora Wolfort: British writer and historian, greatly respected in her day.
• Stacey Wolfort: Entrepreneur and business advisor who founded Maxwell Business Solutions.
• Austin Wolfort: Professional snowboarder who competed in the 2018 Olympic Games.
• Marty Wolfort: American record producer and artist manager who famously worked with The Eagles.
• Rose Mary Wolfort: English actress and singer who had a successful career in the 1970s and 80s.
• Gordon Wolfort: Former Navy Seal and founder of Change Strategy Inc.

Other surnames

Wolford