Surname Wunnerlich - Meaning and Origin
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Wunnerlich: What does the surname Wunnerlich mean?
The last name Wunnerlich is a German surname derived from the German verb wunnern, meaning “to wonder”. As such, the surname Wunnerlich literally translates to “wonderful” or “marvelous.” The word traces its origin back to the Middle High German word wunnerlich, which is also related to the English word “wonderful.”
The surname Wunnerlich is said to have originated in medieval Bavaria. During this time, people displayed their sense of wonder by giving each other enigmatic compliments or greetings, often referencing the supernatural or divine. Those belonging to wealthier or more influential families were likely to be given and given names based on this wonderment. Over time, people began to associate the surname with those of a higher class, due to their supposedly being blessed with some magical power. The surname was eventually spread to different parts of Germany, and even Europe, where it remains today.
The surname has evolved to assuming a somewhat less positive connotation in recent years, often being associated with the tendency to have a head filled with too many fantasies or daydreams. However, it is important to note that the origin of the surname Wunnerlich lies in a positive sense of wonderment and appreciation for the intriguing and extraordinary.
Order DNA origin analysisWunnerlich: Where does the name Wunnerlich come from?
The last name Wunnerlich is of German origin and can still be found today in Germany, particularly in its western and northern states. Additionally, the surname has spread to other German-speaking countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Immigration to other countries has also caused the surname to spread to parts of Europe, Australia, and North America. In the United States, immigrants with the Wunnerlich name are most commonly found in states with large German-speaking populations, such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. According to the 2019 US Census Bureau, over 2,500 individuals are currently living in the United States with surname.
The Wunnerlich surname is also relatively common in Brazil, due to the emigration of German citizens to the country during the 19th and early 20th centuries. According to the Brazilian census of 2010, over 2000 individuals with the surname currently reside in the country.
As the Wunnerlich surname originated in Germany, it is likely to still be most commonly found in German speaking nations such as Germany, Austria, and Brazil. However, due to the steady spread of the name by immigration, it can also be found in other countries around the world.
Variations of the surname Wunnerlich
The surname Wunnerlich is an Ashkenazic Jewish name that is most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. The variant spellings for this name include Woenerlich, Woonerlich, Wonnerlich, Vunnerlich, and Voonerlich.
The surnames Wunnerlich and Woenerlich derive from the Middle High German terms “wunne” and “wone”, meaning “joy” or “happiness”. This suggests that the original bearer of the name was someone who carried a joyful outlook on life.
The various surnames of Wunnerlich origin are believed to have derived independently from multiple locations throughout Europe. It is unknown when the individual spellings began to be used as fixed surnames, although it is possible that some have been in use for longer periods of time than others.
Most of these surnames are linked to locations or towns called Wunnerlich. The villages of Wunnerlich, Woenerlich, and Vunnerlich can be found in the Czech Republic, while othe villages of Wonnerlich and Voonerlich are located in Germany.
There are a few occasions when variant spellings of the name have been associated with a particular region in the past. For example, in Poland during the late 18th century, the Woenerlich spelling of the surname was predominately used in the city of Grodno.
In conclusion, the surname Wunnerlich is commonly found in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, and its variant spellings include Woenerlich, Woonerlich, Wonnerlich, Vunnerlich, and Voonerlich. These varying spellings are likely to have originated independently from multiple locations over time.
Famous people with the name Wunnerlich
- Ernie Wunnerlich: Ernie Wunnerlich is a former NFL and CFL defensive lineman who played seven seasons in the NFL from 1955 to 1965.
- Jim Wunnerlich: Jim Wunnerlich is an American professional golfer who has competed on the PGA Tour and the PGA Tour Champions.
- Lydia Wunnerlich-Pieper: Lydia Wunnerlich-Pieper is a German retired competitive figure skater. She is the 1986 European silver medalist and won the bronze medal at the international competitions in Montreal and Copa de INVI.
- George E. Wunnerlich: George E. Wunnerlich is a retired United States Army Lieutenant General who served as the Commanding General of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command from 2002 to 2004.
- Eberhard Wunnerlich: Eberhard Wunnerlich is a former German footballer who played for VfL Osnabruck and SSV Jena.
- Andy Wunnerlich: Andy Wunnerlich is an American professional basketball player who has played in Germany, Croatia, Ukraine, Turkey, and Iran.
- Mark Wunnerlich: Mark Wunnerlich is a chess player, teacher and former coach who has represented the United States numerous times in international competitions.
- Robbie Wunnerlich: Robbie Wunnerlich is an Olympic rower, having competed in the men’s eight event at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
- Jamey Wunnerlich: Jamey Wunnerlich is an American professional football player who is currently a free agent wide receiver.
- Ken Wunnerlich: Ken Wunnerlich is a retired American basketball player, having last played in France for billionaire businessman François Pinault’s resident team, Élan Chalon S.A.S.