Surname Wohleb - Meaning and Origin
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Wohleb: What does the surname Wohleb mean?
The last name Wohleb is of German-Jewish origin. It is derived from the old German word “wohl” which means “worthy” or “valuable”. Wohlmeb is an old variant of the name. As a surname, it suggests a good and honest person, likely to give good advice and always be on the right side.
More recently, Wohleb is an Ashkenazi Jewish name that is associated with shtetls and other small, Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. As such, it carries with it the history and culture of the Jewish people who lived in that region, many of whom experienced the Holocaust.
The Wohleb surname could also imply a sense of pride and accomplishment. As a name that became popular in the early 1900s, when cultures and traditions in Europe were changing, families with the last name may have used it to denote that they had achieved something noteworthy during a time of uncertainty and unrest.
In the modern day, the name Wohleb still carries a strong sense of pride, especially in light of its connection to Jewish heritage. As more and more people of Jewish descent seek to celebrate their heritage and reclaim their cultural identity, the name Wohleb is an important reminder of the resilience, courage, and strength of an often-persecuted people.
Order DNA origin analysisWohleb: Where does the name Wohleb come from?
The last name Wohleb is most commonly found in Germany today. It is a German surname that became popular in the Middle Ages. The name is derived from the words "wohl" meaning "well" and "leib" meaning "body" or "lively". This indicates a family likely of French or German origin, which may be related to noble or powerful ancestors.
The Wohleb name has spread to countries in the Western Hemisphere, such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. It can also be found in other parts of Europe such as the United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, and Austria.
The Wohleb surname has also been documented in records in Germany from as far back as the 1500s. There is evidence that the family name was held by many people of importance in Germany, including those who served in government positions and as advisors to the Royal family.
Today, the Wohleb name is popular in Germany, particularly in larger cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich. There are numerous Wohleb families in the country and it is likely that many of them are connected through ancestry and familial ties.
Variations of the surname Wohleb
The surname Wohleb is an English and German surname, and it is classified as a habitation surname, typically derived from the name of a place where the family lived or held land. The various variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin as Wohleb include: Wohlbauer, Wohlibauer, Wohlebauer, Wohlbaur, Wohlbohrer, Wohlebauer, Wohleber, Wohlebohrer, Wohnet, Wohnet, Wohleiber, Wohlwender, Wahleb, Walleb, Wallab, and Wallabe.
The earliest records of the Wohleb surname date back to the 12th century in what is now Germany and Austria. The surname was likely derived from the Old German word wohl, meaning ‘well’ or ‘good’, in addition to bauer, which means ‘farmer’ or ‘peasant’. Thus, the original bearer of the surname likely lived in a well-cultivated area.
The Wohleb surname first spread to England during the Norman Conquest of 1066. During this time, many Anglo-Saxon names were replaced by Norman names, including Wohleb. During the 19th century, the Wohleb surname became more popular due to immigration to the United States and other countries. The Wohleb surname is now commonly found in Germany, Austria, England, the United States, Canada, and other countries with Germanic heritage.
Famous people with the name Wohleb
- Austin Wohleb: Award-winning filmmaker known for his work on the film The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia.
- Brady Wohleb: brother of Austin Wohleb, he was also a producer and editor in the production of The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia.
- Jacob D. Wohleb: a United States district judge for the Eastern District of Virginia.
- Richard Wohleb: a noted American painter of expressionist, abstract art.
- Candyce Wohleb: an American film director, producer, and actor.
- Thomas Wohleb: a retired American professional hockey player who most notably played for the Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres.
- Peter Wohleb: a German landscape and nature photographer, and director.
- Martin Wohleb: a former East German Olympic track and field athlete who specialized in the 800 metres.
- Christina Wohleb: a Junior Achievement Volunteer of Excellence winner from Loveland, CO.
- Howard Wohleb: an American entrepreneur and philanthropist.