Surname Woullard - Meaning and Origin
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Woullard: What does the surname Woullard mean?
The last name Woullard is believed to be a variation of the German family name Willard which first originated in Baveria. This surname was most likely derived from a Germanic personal name composed of the elements “wil” meaning desire and “hard” meaning strong or brave.
The earliest record of the family name Woullard was in France in the 14th century when the word Wolfard was used. It’s believed the family slowly changed to Woullard over time for easier pronunciation.
Since then, the family had spread across various countries throughout Europe until the 1600s when the first Woullard family members came to America, likely from Germany or Holland. They settled in Pennsylvania and other Colonies, where they worked the land as farmers and was also influenced by the region’s English language and culture.
Today, the name Woullard is present in the United States and in countries all around the world. According to some sources, the Woullard family is the 48th most frequent last name throughout the US.
The Woullard family name continues to spread today, now part of many different cultures and countries, all having the same strong and brave meaning.
Order DNA origin analysisWoullard: Where does the name Woullard come from?
The last name Woullard is not a very common one, but it can be found throughout various parts of the United States, as well as in a few other countries such as France and England. In the United States, Woullard can be found in states such as Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma, and Alabama. The highest concentrations of Woullards can be found in Mississippi, with nearly 1,500 individuals in the state as of the last census. The Woullards in Mississippi mainly reside in Jackson, Mississippi's most populous city; however, there are smaller clusters throughout other parts of the state.
In addition to Mississippi, Woullard is also found in Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Generally speaking, the larger population clusters of Woullard can be found in the states that were former Confederate states.
Outside of the United States, the surname Woullard can be found in France, England, Canada, and Australia. In France, it is most common in the departments of Seine-Maritime and Eure. In England, it is mainly concentrated in the Merseyside area, as well as in London. While not as common, Woullard can also be found in Canada and Australia, in the provinces and states of Ontario, British Columbia, and New South Wales, respectively.
Variations of the surname Woullard
The surname Woullard is a French name of Norman origin meaning "the brave". Variants of this surname include Woullart, WIllerd, Willart, Willard, Wullard, Wuillerd, Wuillart, and Wollard.
Woullard can also come from the Latin Baldahardus, a combination of the words balde (bold) and hard (strength). In this case, variants include Wollhardt, Willardt, Wollhard, Wollardt, Willardts, Wilhardt, and Wohlhardt.
Another origin of the surname Woullard is from the Breton personal name Walahir. Here, variants include Wallard, Waller, Wallhard, Wallaire, Wallaert, Wallart, Wallharr, and Walloe.
Since its origins in France, variations of the surname Woullard have spread throughout Europe and North America. Variants showing up in the United States include Wilhite, Wilkins, Willet, Willett, Willey, Will, Willbond, Willcox, Willes, Willette, Williams, Williard, Willrick, Willson, Wilmot, Wilsman, Wiltshire, and Wiltz. Other spellings found in Canada include Walke, Walker, Walters, Walthe, Walther, Walthour, and Wilhoit.
Variants of the surname Woullard can however also be found in Germany (Wuller, Wulffen, and Wulldi), Belgium (Weldler and Wilders), Switzerland (Walden and Wolden), the Netherlands (Wolff, Wolters, and Wollers), and even in parts of Ireland (Waller and Wallers).
Overall, no matter which variant of the surname Woullard is used, the overall reputation of strength and courage remains the same.
Famous people with the name Woullard
- Zebra Woullard: a critically acclaimed dancer, actor, and choreographer from New York City.
- Clarence L. "Tandy" Woullard: famous poet, author, and professor of English at Morehouse College.
- Jennifer Woullard: an award-winning stage and television actress from Louisiana.
- Jody Woullard: a professional surfer and four-time world Champion.
- Gavin Woullard: an independent photographer and founder of the Woullard Photography Group.
- Sherman Woullard: a multi-platinum hip-hop artist from Louisiana.
- Jontay Woullard: professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Joe Q. Woullard: renowned jazz musician and composer from Los Angeles.
- Dean Woullard: an award-winning abstract expressionist painter and sculptor.
- Kevin Woullard: former professional American football player for the Jacksonville Jaguars.