Surname Wolpe - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Wolpe: What does the surname Wolpe mean?
The last name Wolpe originates from the German word ‘wolpe’, which refers to an individual who lives near a valley or a ravine. The name is thought to have been derived from the Old High German word ‘wolpa’, meaning ‘valley’. It is likely that the name first emerged among people living near a valley or a ravine in the German-speaking regions of Europe centuries ago.
The name is found in records dating back to the 11th century, where people with the surname Wolpe were mentioned in a document from Köln, Germany. Over time, the name may have been modified in different countries and languages, resulting in several variations, including Wohlpe, Vohlpe, Voolpe, Vollpe, Wollpe, Woolpe, Woolf, Uhlpah and Uhlpen. Some of these alternate spellings may have alternatively evolved as a result of people changing their name to sound more prestigious or because of clerical errors in recording the name.
Today, the name Wolpe can be still found throughout the German-speaking countries, as well as the UK, the United States, Canada, South Africa and other parts of the world. The name is typically associated with individuals who have a strong connection to their German roots and may be proud to share their heritage with others.
Order DNA origin analysisWolpe: Where does the name Wolpe come from?
The last name Wolpe is believed to have originated in Germany. It is most commonly found in Germany, the Netherlands, and South Africa. It is also found in other parts of Europe, including the United Kingdom, France, Austria, and Italy.
In Germany, the name is more common in the western and northern regions. It is also found in the United States and Canada, particularly among Jewish people who have German ancestry.
In South Africa, the Wolpe family is descended from German Jews who established a successful merchant trading business in the late 19th Century. Some members moved to Israel and Britain. Many have remained in South Africa and made a living through commerce, farming, and the wine industry.
The last name Wolpe generally appears in documents with the German version of "Wolp" or "Wolpf." Similarly, variant spellings such as Wollpe, Wohlpe, and Wulpe exist, as does the German diminutive "Wollpchen."
The name and its variations are relatively uncommon today. However, some people with the last name Wolpe or its variants continue to live in Germany, the Netherlands, South Africa, and other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Wolpe
The surname Wolpe has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Most variations are due to different regional dialects and languages, which may have had differing spelling conventions.
The most common variant of the Wolpe surname is Wolf. Other spellings of Wolf include Wolfen, Wolfs, Wulfe, Wulfen, and Wulffen. There are also numerous Dutch spelling variations, including Wolffen, Wolffs, Wolffsen, Wolfen, Wolven, Wulffs, and Wulffsen.
In Germany and some other parts of Europe, Wolpe may be written as Wölp, Wolp, and Wolpke. The variations Woelp, Woelpke, Woelper, and Woelpers may also be found.
In Yiddish, the Wolpe surname is sometimes written as וואָלפּע, pronounced “Volpe.” Yiddish spelling variations may also include Velpe, Volp, Volper, Volpers, and Velpke. People with variations of the Wolpe surname may also have names ending in -berg, -stein, or -thal.
Variations of Wolpe may also be found in Eastern Europe, including Voloh, Valoh, Valova, Volohov, and Wolyohov. As a result of colonization and migration, Wolpe surname variations may also be found in Latin America, North America, and Australia.
Famous people with the name Wolpe
- David Wolpe: an American rabbi, author and teacher. He is the Max Webb Senior Rabbi of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, California, and was voted the most influential rabbi in America by Newsweek in 2013.
- Samuel Wolpe: South African psychologist best known for his work on social and clinical psychology. He was a strong believer that the environment can have a powerful influence on behavior.
- Mark Wolpe: Canadian-born actor best known for roles in "The Bill" and "Terry and June".
- Jürgen Wolpe: German expressionist painter best known for his bold colors, angular lines, and distorted forms.
- Henry Wolpe: South African entrepreneur and philanthropist who is credited with introducing the term “Black Economic Empowerment” to the global business lexicon.
- Sol Meir Wolpe: Jewish American Folklorist best known for his work on Jewish folklore, and his compilations of Yiddish tales and folklore.
- Hannah Wolpe: Australian activist and feminist who is best known for her work in Aboriginal affairs.
- Anna Wolpe: violinist and composer who is best known for being the first woman to perform a concerto in public in 1902.
- G-Wiz Wolpe: South African hip hop artist and producer.
- Barry Wolpe: British property developer and businessman. He is the founder of the Wolpe Group, a real estate company that has invested in all the major commercial centers in numerous countries across the globe.