Surname Wölpert - Meaning and Origin
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Wölpert: What does the surname Wölpert mean?
The surname Wölpert is believed to have been derived from a Germanic root, with its spellings often adapted from the Old German names Wolfhart and Wolprecht. The name translates to “wolf strong” or “bold wolf”, reflecting the strength, character and courage that the bearers of this name likely carried. Historically, the name likely indicated that its bearer was a brave warrior and protector of their community.
The Wölpert family is generally found in the German lands of North-Rhine Westphalia and Bavaria, where the name has been found since the late middle ages. There is also some evidence of the name stretching into Austria and the Netherlands.
It is believed, despite limited records, that many Wölperts were farmers, and this is still one of the occupations associated with those born of the family today. Quantifiable records become available for this surname in the 1800s, with police records, school admission documents and marriage licenses showing the presence of the Wölperts in various cities and villages in Germany.
Though the meaning of the surname may have changed over the centuries due to immigration and place of residence, it remains connected to the fierce and brave warrior of old, and on some level still reflects the strength, courage and character of the individuals that make up the Wölpert family.
Order DNA origin analysisWölpert: Where does the name Wölpert come from?
The last name "Wölpert" is most commonly found in Germany today. According to genealogical research conducted by Ancestry.com, Wölpert is one of the top 1,000 surnames from Germany, with a recorded heritage that dates back to the 1300s.
Germany is the birthplace of the name and today, the country is home to the most Wölperts. Specifically, the northernmost part of Germany, including the states of Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and parts of Hamburg and Bremen, appear to have the highest concentration of the surname.
In addition to Germany, the surname Wölpert also appears in countries throughout Europe, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, and Switzerland. There are also a number of Wölperts in the United States, as a significant number of German immigrants brought their surnames with them when they made the long journey to America in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Wölpert name continues to be carried proudly all over the world today, especially within the German community, where it remains a traditional and well-respected surname.
Variations of the surname Wölpert
The surname Wölpert is a German name derived from the nickname "Wölfer" or "Wölfele." This name originally referred to someone who was skillful and adept at hunting, since the word "Wölfer" is derived from the old German word "wölfer," meaning "wolf hunter."
Variant spellings of this surname include Woolpert, Wulpert, Woelpert, Welpert, Wolpert, and Woelpert. Some common surnames of the same origin as Wölpert include Hunken, Wölfer, Wolfing, Wolfinger, Wolfers, Wölfers, Wolfherr, and Wolfgruber.
The name Wölpert can also be seen in different hyphenated forms such as Wöl-Pert and Wolf-Pert. It can also be seen in some rarer spellings like Volhaert, Vaelpert, Waelepert, Walepert, Wallpert, and Velpert.
The history of the surname Wölpert also stretches outside of Germany. In the 17th century, the name spread to America in its various spellings. In the United States, the standard spelling has become Woolpert, while in Canada, the spelling Wulpert is more common.
The surname Wölpert is still quite popular in Germany and can be spotted in cities such as Berlin, Hanover, and Hamburg. It also continues to be a fairly popular surname in the United States, Canada, and other countries around the world.
Famous people with the name Wölpert
- Lisa Wölpert: German athlete
- Sina Wölpert: German handball player
- Paul Wölpert: German classical composer
- Jeremias Wölpert: German theologian
- Dominik Wölpert: German music producer
- Wolfgang Wölpert: German Lutheran theologian
- Elisabeth Wölpert: German journalist
- Angelle Wölpert: German beauty pageant winner
- Frank Wölpert: German actor
- August Wölpert: German architect