Surname Adolphs - Meaning and Origin
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Adolphs: What does the surname Adolphs mean?
The last name Adolphs is a German variant of the name Adolf, meaning "noble wolf". It is most likely derived from the Old High German elements adal, meaning ‘noble’, and wulf, meaning ‘wolf’.
The surname Adolphs dates back to Medieval German times and is often found in records from that period. Some early bearers of the name are recorded in the 15th century in the Hildesheim area of Germany. Adolphs is still a fairly common name in Germany and other German-speaking countries.
Through the course of history, people of this surname have made their way around the world. Many of them were influential figures in their respective countries and cities.
These individuals have been known for their independent spirit, strong will and good work ethic. There are many examples of artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, musicians, politicians and statesmen who proudly carried the Adolphs name with them.
Although now found in many different cultures throughout the world, Adolphs name still carries an air of admiration and respect, owing to its strong German roots. The values that it stands for – those of loyalty, pride and courage – are still very much present today.
Order DNA origin analysisAdolphs: Where does the name Adolphs come from?
The last name Adolphs is most commonly found today in Germany and throughout the German-speaking region of Europe. Adolphs is an ancient German name of multiple origin, and is reportedly derived from either the Old German “ald” (meaning “old”) or the Germanic element “adal” (meaning “noble”). It could also be derived from the Old High German title “Adolph,” which was most popular during the 12th and 13th centuries.
The majority of Adolphs families today can be found in Germany, particularly in the cities of Berlin, Hamburg, Dresden, Leipzig, and other major German cities. There are also a significant number of Adolphs families living in Austria and Switzerland. Additionally, the name Adolphs is available throughout German-speaking regions of North America, South America, and other countries.
The various spellings of Adolphs are common as well, including Adolph, Adolff, Adolf, Adolphe, and Adolfo. Regardless of spelling, the name Adolphs carries a long, proud heritage and is still found in many parts of the world today.
Variations of the surname Adolphs
The surname Adolphs is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Adolph, which is derived from the element "adal" meaning noble or aristocratic and "wolf" meaning wolf. The English spelling of Adolphs is also seen as Adolphus, Adolphes, Adolph, Adolpho, Adolphe, Adolf and Adolfo. Other variants include the Dutch Adolfse, the French Adolphe and Adolphe, the German Adolfs and the Yiddish Ashlag.
Variations of the surname Adolphs, such as Adolphson, Adolphsen, and Adolfson, are also found in Scandinavia. These variants stem from the older patronymic tradition of adding "-sen" or "-son" to the end of the father's first name to create a family name. In Scandinavia, Adolphson and Adolphsen reveal the name of the father or ancestor was Adolph. In Germany and the Netherlands, the suffix "-er" was used instead; thus, the variations Adolfser and Adolfs.
Other derivations of the surname Adolphs, including Adelpho, Adolphino, Adolpino, Adolt, Audolt, Opold, and Opo, are found in Germany, Switzerland, and other European countries.
In America, Adolphs has also undergone some changes due to mispronunciation and phonetic spelling. The variants Adolf, Adof, Adoff, Adoffe, Adawf, and Adolfo are some examples. The Edolphs surname is also related, as it was created from a misinterpretation of its original form.
Overall, Adolphs is a patronymic surname that has many variants, spellings, and derivations around the world. Its different variant spellings all point back to the same root given name, Adolph.
Famous people with the name Adolphs
- Adolph Caesar: Academy Award-nominated film and television actor best known for his supporting roles in the films A Soldier's Story (Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination), Killing Them Softly, and The Color Purple.
- Adolph Gettler: British actor best known for his role as the villain in the James Bond movie Casino Royale.
- Adolph Sax: Belgian inventor who patented the first saxophone in 1846.
- Adolph Hilgen: German painter, graphic artist and illustrator who belonged to the Düsseldorf school of painting.
- Adolph Zukor: American film mogul who founded Paramount Pictures in 1912.
- Adolph Rupp: American college basketball coach who led the University of Kentucky basketball team to four NCAA championships.
- Adolph Blaine Charles David Earl Frederick Gerald Hubert Irvin John Kenneth Lloyd Martin Nero Oliver Paul Quincy Randolph Sherman Thomas Uncas Victor William Xerxes Yancy Zeus Wolfeschlegelsteinhausenberdorft Sr.: world's longest name holder, also known as Adolph Wolf.
- Adolph Brudenell-Bruce, 3rd Marquess of Ailesbury: British peer who also served as Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire.
- Adolph Menzel: German artist and watercolorist who was renowned for his history paintings and portraits.
- Adolph Wilhelm Meyer: German painter, draftsman, and etcher of equestrian scenes, landscapes, and portraits.