Surname Wolpert - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Wolpert: What does the surname Wolpert mean?
The last name Wolpert is of German origin, and is thought to have originated in the Rhineland of Germany. The name Wolpert is derived from the Middle German name Wolfhardt, which was composed of the two elements 'Wolge' meaning 'wolf' and 'hard', an old Germanic word which meant 'brave, hardy, strong'.
Wolpert is one of the thousands of names in which the German language is used to refer to a brave, strong, or fierce individual. The popular mythological figure, Fenrir, who was a large wolf-like creature who could swallow the sun, was an example of a wolf-like figure within popular culture.
The Wolpert surname is thought to have been widely used in the Rhineland area during the late medieval period. It is possible that the surnames of Wolfhardt and Wolpert were interchangeable during this period as the spelling of names was not concrete at this time.
The symbolism of the wolf was seen as noble in many cultures during this period in Europe. For example, some Germanic kings took on a ‘wolf’ name, in order to make themselves appear powerful and strong. It can be suggested then that by taking on the Wolpert surname, the bearer was associated with the attributes and qualities of a strong and fearless leader.
In modern day Germany, the Wolpert surname is still widely used, and it is known to have been found in a few other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
Order DNA origin analysisWolpert: Where does the name Wolpert come from?
The last name Wolpert is most commonly seen in the United States today, though it is not particularly widespread. Records indicate that there were fewer than 900 Wolpert households in the United States in 2010, and the name was most popular in Michigan and Ohio.
The name is of German origin, and entered the United States in the early 19th century, likely due to the wave of German immigrants who came to the United States in search of better opportunities. According to records, one of the earliest settlers with the name was Friedrich Wolpert, a Lutheran pastor who lived in Pennsylvania from 1832 to 1837. Since then, the name has spread across the country, though there are still relatively few households with the last name.
It is likely that the people with the name Wolpert today can trace their ancestry back to Germany, with many of them being descendants of the early German immigrants. The name is not particularly widespread, but with its German origin and an estimated 900 households in the last census, it still exists today in pockets across the United States.
Variations of the surname Wolpert
The surname Wolpert is a Germanic name that has been around since the 16th century. It is derived from a combination of two German words - "wolf" and "berht" meaning "bright wolf." As such, it can be translated to mean someone who is 'bright and powerful like a wolf.'
The Wolpert family name can be found under many different spellings and derivatives, such as Walpert, Wohlpert, Wulpert, Wulpirt, Woolpert, Wulpurt, Wulprat, Worpert, Warpert, Wylpert, Wylpirt and Wilper. Some forms of the name can even be found in France, such as Ouilbert and Wulbert. The name has also been used in other countries where German influences have reached, such as Poland, where it appeared as Wolburd or Volbert.
The variations and derivatives of Wolpert are particularly common among Protestant communities of the Rhineland, including the Palatinate area. This is most likely due to migration during the religious wars of the 16th century and the era of German emigration from the mid-19th century onwards. In addition, many families across Europe still carry this name today.
Despite the various spellings, the overall meaning remains the same. This is why the name Wolpert can be seen as both a surname and a given name, with some of its more popular forms being Wolf and Bert. Essentially, the name has been carried through the generations with a shared meaning of power, strength, and loyalty – traits associated with the great wolf.
Famous people with the name Wolpert
- David Wolpert: American mathematician, professor, and computer scientist.
- Julia Wolpert: American actress known for her roles in Far from Heaven, Guess Who, and Friends with Benefits.
- Jay Wolpert: American screenwriter, producer and director, best known for writing the film Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
- Seth Wolpert: American former soccer player who competed in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
- John Wolpert: American software engineer and CTO of Hyperledger, an open source blockchain project.
- Mike Wolpert: American actor, director, writer and producer, best known for his roles in the television series The Office.
- Paul Wolpert: American composer, conductor, producer and arranger who has composed music for television and films, including Rome and Night at the Museum.
- Abigail Wolpert: American actress best known for her roles in Little Manhattan, My Best Friend's Girl, and Grease.
- Jonathan Wolpert: American hedge fund manager and philanthropist who is the co-founder of Capricorn Investment Group.
- Judith Wolpert: American author and consultant who has written extensively about leadership and education.