Surname Volkradt - Meaning and Origin
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Volkradt: What does the surname Volkradt mean?
The last name Volkradt is a German surname derived from the old German phrase "volk-rad," meaning "a ruler of the people." The surname dates back to the medieval period, when surnames developed in German-speaking countries to help differentiate between individuals. It was most likely derived from a nickname for a leader or ruler of the people. The English version of the surname often appears as either "Folkrod," referring to a ruler of the people, or "Volkhard," referring to a brave leader.
The surname can be found in historic records of Germany as far back as the 14th century. During this time, it was most often used to name people who held local government positions such as mayors and judges. During the course of history, many people with the Volkradt surname have migrated to other countries, such as the United States and Canada.
The Volkradt surname carries a strong familial history of leadership and dedication. It is often associated with those who carry on the tradition of civic duty and local leadership. It is also a reminder of the family's rich connection to their German roots. That connection lives on today through the many descendants of the Volkradt family, who proudly carry on the name and the legacy it represents.
Order DNA origin analysisVolkradt: Where does the name Volkradt come from?
The last name Volkradt is most commonly found in Germany today, though there are still small populations of it scattered across various other countries in Europe.
The most heavily concentrated populations of the Volkradt last name can be found in the German states of Bavaria, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony-Anhalt, and Hesse. These five states alone account for around 85% of the Volkradt population in Germany.
Though mostly concentrated in Germany, Volkradt can still be found infrequently in other countries such as Austria, Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. It is unclear when the name first arrived outside of Germany as it appears to be quite an old name, with many German families traced back to the 8th century when surnames were in their infancy.
The meaning of the name Volkradt is uncertain, though it is generally placed to mean ‘people counsel’. This could either refer to a counsel of distinguished individuals, or any sort of advice related to the common people.
The Volkradt name is quite rare in the United States, though it does show up now and then, with some people bearing the Volkradt surname coming to America, particularly in the 19th century.
Overall, the Volkradt last name is most commonly found in Germany, though there are still small populations scattered about other European countries and the United States.
Variations of the surname Volkradt
The surname Volkradt is derived from the German and Jewish surname "Volkrad" which means 'people’s council'. It was a popular name among German immigrants who settled in various countries in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Variants of Volkradt include:
-Volkrad
-Volkard
-Volkhard
-Volkerdt
-Volkert
-Volkhardt
-Wolkhardt
Variations of the Volkradt surname include:
-Volkrath
-Volkrate
-Volkrette
-Volkratt
-Wolkrad
Surnames of similar origin include:
-Folkert
-Folker
-Fulkner
-Folkerth
-Frukner
-Wilkert
-Wilkner
-Wolker
-Wolkert
Volkradt is an uncommon surname, which has remained relatively unchanged in its spelling. Despite its low usage, the surname is still associated with the descendants of German immigrants who brought their name with them to the United States.
Famous people with the name Volkradt
- Joyce Volkradt: Canadian politician served as a Member of Legislative Assembly of Alberta from 1982: 1993.
- Ivan Volkradt: Ukrainian national security advisor from November 2008: April 2010.
- Robert Volkradt: German theatre director most famous for his work at Schauspielhaus Bochum.
- Maria von Volkradt: Austrian actress and theater director active in the late 19th century.
- John Volkradt: American landscape painter and model maker, participant in the New York art scene in the 1980s.
- Gregor Volkradt: former CEO of Swiss software company Software AG.
- Mitchell Volkradt: American actor with notable roles in films such as The Babysitter's Club and The Maze Runner.
- Nancy Volkradt: American artist and potter whose work has been featured in galleries and exhibitions around the country.
- Andres Volkradt: German composer, jazz musician, and sound technician. Notable works include the soundtrack for the film The Island of Dr. Moreau.
- Carolyn Volkradt: French sculptor and artist known for her large-scale bronze sculptures and monuments.