Surname Wunderlich - Meaning and Origin
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H. Wunderlich
read moreWunderlich: What does the surname Wunderlich mean?
The last name Wunderlich is a German surname meaning “wonderful” or “wondrous”. It is believed that the name originated in Brandenburg, an area of central Germany. The earliest recorded variations of the name date back to the 16th century.
The literal meaning of the name is reflective of the feelings and attitudes of those who lived in the region at the time. It symbolized a sense of wonder at the world around them, as well as an appreciation for all the good things it had to offer.
The name likely emerged as a way of showing gratitude for the many things one could be thankful for—from good harvests to successes in business and family life. Even when times were hard, it was a reminder that with every obstacle could also be an opportunity.
There are many variations of the surname, some of which are Wünderlich, Wundelich, and Wondrich. Variations of the name can also be found in countries such as the United States and Canada as a result of immigration in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Today, Wunderlich is a unisex name and bearers of it can be found around the world. As a character trait, it could be associated with factors such as a deep appreciation for life, a positive attitude in the face of adversity, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.
Order DNA origin analysisWunderlich: Where does the name Wunderlich come from?
The last name Wunderlich is still found today in many countries around the world, the greatest concentrations of the name being in Germany, Austria, Poland, Italy and the United States.
In Germany, the most recent statistics indicate there are more than 11,000 people with the last name Wunderlich, with the majority living in Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia states.
In Austria, Wunderlich is the tenth most common surname, with more than 9,500 people possessing it. Poland also has more than 5,000 people with the last name Wunderlich, and it ranks as the 256th most popular surname.
In Italy, Wunderlich is the 414th most common surname, with around 1,400 people having the last name. Americans represent a unique national grouping, with the name Wunderlich having a distinctly Germanic, rather than Italian or Polish origin. This is due to a large number of German immigrants to the United States in the late 1800s.
The United States now has the second-largest population of people with the last name Wunderlich. In the 2000 census, more than 14,000 Wunderlichs were enumerated, and today it remains the 315th most common surname in the country. States with the highest concentration of Wunderlichs include California, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Variations of the surname Wunderlich
The German surname Wunderlich is derived from the Old High German word “wuntar” meaning “wish”, “desire” or “hopeful”. It is also associated with “wondrous”, “fascinating” or “remarkable”.
The variations, spellings and surnames of the same origin of Wunderlich are Wunderly, Wunderer, Wunterlich, Wundelich, Wunderlik, Wundulech, Wundrlicht, Wundrelich, and Von Wunderlich.
The surname Wunderlich is used throughout Germany, but can also be found in Austria and Switzerland. Its use extends to other parts of Europe outside of Germany, such as in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania.
The surname is also found in the United States, particularly in states with a significant German-speaking population. In the United States, the spelling commonly seen is Wunderlich.
There is a Wunderlich Coat of Arms which originates from the area in Germany known as Thuringia. It bears the colours of black and red, rooted in the heraldic tradition of Europe. The shield on the Coat of Arms features a double sided broadsword which symbolizes authority, strength and honour. This familial symbol serves as a representation of the proud roots of the Wunderlich family.
The correct pronunciation of the surname Wunderlich is “Voon tahr likh”.
Famous people with the name Wunderlich
- Bill Wunderlich: American filmmaker, actor, and producer of award-winning films, such as An American Girl, Frozen River, and October Sky.
- Jenny Wunderlich: American music artist and songwriter whose singles, blooms, and pour have achieved heartfelt success.
- Barney Wunderlich: Former National Basketball Association (NBA) player from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s.
- Wilhelm Wunderlich: Famous German composer and organist during the late 19th century.
- Erna Wunderlich: Well-known German actress who featured in several films including Die Sünderin and Der Henker von London.
- Jack Wunderlich: An American newspaper editor who served as the editor-in-chief of The Daily Local.
- David Wunderlich: Philosopher and professor who taught at Princeton University and the University of California Santa Cruz.
- Hans Wunderlich: German music composer and music producer who was strongly influenced by jazz and the works of John Cage.
- Kelly Wunderlich: An American painter and sculptor whose work, which often deals with environmental themes, has been featured in exhibitions across the United States.
- Dr. Emil Wunderlich: German neurologist and psychiatrist who served as the director of the mental health clinic at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in the 19th century.