Surname Wülfers - Meaning and Origin
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Wülfers: What does the surname Wülfers mean?
Wülfers is a German surname derived from the root wolf, which is referring to a person who was known to be a hunter, warrior or strong leader.
The name is known for its prominent presence in the Bavarian and Hessian areas of Germany, primarily in the towns of Hanau and Ober-Ramstadt, during the 18th and 19th centuries. The exact origin of this unique surname is unknown, but it is speculated to have derived from a medieval variant of the word Wolfers Rabben or Wolfersgrund.
Today, the meaning and spelling of the surname Wülfers has evolved over generations; in some cases appearing as Wueller, Wolfes or Wolffers. It is believed that the spelling was altered to fit the regional dialects, and to accommodate patrilineal descent.
Behind the literal meaning of the surname, the underlying historical context of the Wülfers surname is quite distinct. It is thought to represent a feeling of self-assurance, and strength amongst its ancestry. It may symbolize fierce pride and pride of ownership displayed by those who bore this name. It is no surprise then that today, many Wülfers take great pride in their family name, and honor their heritage by proudly incorporating this surname into their own given names.
Order DNA origin analysisWülfers: Where does the name Wülfers come from?
The last name Wülfers is most commonly found today in Germany, particularly in Hamburg where it is the 116th most common last name. It is also common in the Netherlands, where it is the 175th most common name.
In Germany, the Wülfers family name can be found in many towns in the north of the country, especially in Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Bremen, and Lower Saxony. According to records, the Wülfers family name first appeared in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in the 14th century.
Some records of the surname can also be found in Austria, Switzerland, and even the United States. In Austria, the Wülfers name is the 502th most common as of 2020. In the United States, the name is still rare with only 451 people having it as of 2019.
Despite being an uncommon last name, Wülfers still has a substantial presence in many parts of Europe. The surname is still most commonly associated with Germany but can also be found in Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, and even the United States.
Variations of the surname Wülfers
The surname Wülfers has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant spelling is Woelfers. Other variant spellings include Wolfers, Welfers, Wulfers, Woolfers, Ulfers, Uhlvers, and Walvers. Additionally, surnames with the same origin include Wulffers, Wülbiers, Wulvers, Wulobsers, Ulfersmann, Wulfermann, and Wülfenberg.
The origin of the Wülfers surname is derived from the Middle High German “wolff” meaning “wolf” and “er” meaning “the son of.” Hence, the surname originates from a patronymic, with an implied meaning of “son of the Wolf.” The first recorded use of the surname dates back to the 13th century and is related to the ancient family lineage associated with the German noble family of Wilderstein.
At different times and locations, the Wülfers surname has seen various spellings and transformations. In addition to the variants above, Woelfer, Wulver, Walfer, and Wulfinger are all derived from the same original root. Furthermore, many descendants have anglicized their surnames for easier pronunciation. Wolf, Wire, Duffy, and even Furry are all possible forms of the Wülfers surname.
The Wülfers name is still widely used throughout Europe, with many prominent members in both public and private spheres. Furthermore, the surname has spread to other parts of the world such as the Americas, Asia, and Australia. As a result, the Wülfers surname has become a global surname and can be found in every corner of the world today.
Famous people with the name Wülfers
- Holger Wülfers, German composer
- Marc Wülfers, German entrepreneur
- Katja Wülfers, German film director
- Reent Wülfers, German racecar driver
- Jürgen Wülfers, German actor
- Magnus Wülfers, German architect
- Tim Wülfers, German windsurfing champion
- Sven Wülfers, German judoka
- Andreas Wülfers, German footballer
- Gregor Wülfers, German model