Surname Wolfsen - Meaning and Origin
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Wolfsen: What does the surname Wolfsen mean?
The last name Wolfsen is of Germanic and Norse origin. It is derived from the medieval given name Wolf, which means wolf or wolf-like. The suffix -sen was a patronymic marker that indicates the bearer's father's name was also Wolf or Wolf-like.
The wolf has always been an important symbol in Germanic and Norse culture, representing bravery, courage, and cunning. This symbolism likely played a large role in the adoption of Wolfsen as a surname amongst its original bearers. In modern times, Wolfsen is still used and is quite popular in some parts of Europe, including Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
Most people with the Wolfsen surname likely descend from the same family that gave rise to its original founder, in the Middle Ages. Over time, this surname has spread across the world, with branches of the Wolfsen family tree taking root in various countries around the globe.
Today, people with the Wolfsen name still embody the traditional values of their name’s origin - strength, courage, and cunning. These qualities are sure to have been passed down over the centuries and will no doubt continue to do so in the generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisWolfsen: Where does the name Wolfsen come from?
The last name Wolfsen is commonly found in Scandinavia, particularly in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. However, the name can also be found throughout Europe, especially in Germany, the Netherlands, and France. In America, the last name Wolfsen is most often found in states with strong Scandinavian populations, such as Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. It is also found in smaller numbers in other states such as Pennsylvania and California.
The Wolfsen name is believed to be derived from two words in the Scandinavian languages, “Wolf” and “son”. Its literal translation could therefore be son of the wolf. An alternate interpretation of the name is son of the wolf-cub, suggesting the family's affiliation with the animal kingdom.
In modern times, there are a variety of ways to trace a family history with the last name Wolfsen, including genealogical records and online services such as Ancestry.com. Through these records, the ages-old history of the Wolfsen family can be uncovered. From where they began, to their previous professions, to the places they lived, to the families they created, to the places they moved to today, tracing the history of the Wolfsen name is a fascinating journey.
Variations of the surname Wolfsen
The surname Wolfsen is widely believed to have German and Danish origins. It can be found in various other countries and cultures around the world. Spelling variations of Wolfsen include Wolfson, Wulfson, Wulffen, Wolfsen and Wolffson, among others.
In Germany, the surname Wolfsen has two distinct origins. It can be found as a Slavic name, derived from ‘Wolf’, or as a locative name from villages located in Germany, such as Wolfstein or Wolffsenn. In Denmark, the family name Wolfsen originated as a patronymic name, derived from the given name ‘Wolf’.
In the United States, Wolfsen has become anglicized to Wolfson and, in some cases, Wolf. Other alternative surnames that could carry the same origin include Wolfinger and Wolffinger, as well as Wolfinger-Kirschbaum from Germany and Austria.
In other countries, the surname Wolfsen has been adapted to a variety of Native surnames, such as Wolfspace, Wolffsen, and Wolfspoon. Family members of the same origin could also use variations of the same name such as Wolvossen from the Netherlands and Wolvason from Scotland.
Overall, the variations in spelling, surname and origin of Wolfsen can be quite extensive. However, its primary origin remains either German or Danish.
Famous people with the name Wolfsen
- 1939-2020: Howard Wolfsen, American writer and wildlife advocate
- 1967-Present: Mia Wolfsen, Danish singer of the iconic pop group Aqua
- 1972-Present: Caren Wolfsen, Israeli jewelry designer
- 1977-Present: John Wolfsen, Dutch media artist and professor
- 1979-Present: Christian Wolfsen, German recording artist, producer, and songwriter
- 1988-Present: Rayna Wolfsen, Canadian actress and comedian
- 1976-Present: Per Wolfsen, Norwegian mixed martial artist
- 1968-Present: Lemeul Wolfsen, Australian doctor and author
- 1960-Present: J.D. Wolfsen, American businessman and former CEO of CIT Group
- 1956-Present: Lise Wolfsen, Danish author and screenwriter