Surname Wolfe - Meaning and Origin
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Untangling the Roots of the Wolfe Clan: A Surprising DNA Journey with iGENEA
Through an iGENEA DNA test, I unlocked the surprising history and diverse genealogy linked to my surname Wolfe. The test resulted in an unexpected discovery of Viking and Celtic roots, shattering previous assumptions about my solely Central European heritage. Moreover, the matrilineal line linked back to a prehistoric progenitor, heightening the sense of fascination and awe.
D. Wolfe
read moreWolfe: What does the surname Wolfe mean?
The last name Wolfe is of Germanic origin and is derived from the Middle High German word “wolf” meaning “wolf”. A popular medieval Germanic given name, the surname Wolfe is derived from a nickname for a brave and formidable individual. The wolf was a hero in ancient Germanic mythology, and the word "wolf" (German: "Wulf") came to be used as a personal name during the Middle Ages. It was suggested that a person who was courageous and hardworking could be likened to a wolf - this, in turn, led to the naming of people and families as "Wolfe".
In England, the surname was first introduced by the Norman conquerors in the eleventh century as "Wolfe" or "Wolf". The Olde English form of the word, "wulf," was brought into Middle English and was gradually replaced by the more modern spelling. It is estimated that the earliest record of the Wolfe surname is found in 1175, where the name appears as "Wolf" in the Pipe Rolls of Lincolnshire.
In modern times, the surname appears in numerous countries, including Germany, Austria, England, Switzerland, Denmark, Ireland, Sweden, and the United States. As a very common surname, Wolfe has been adopted by people from all walks of life. Regardless of origin, the surname is still associated with strength and courage.
Order DNA origin analysisWolfe: Where does the name Wolfe come from?
The last name Wolfe is found all around the world, with the largest concentrations of individuals bearing the name being found in the United States and the United Kingdom.
In the United States, the last name Wolfe is most common in the Midwest and in the East of the country. Large numbers can be found in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Virginia, and Michigan among other states, but Ohio is an especially hot spot for people with the last name. The cities of Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, in particular, have high populations of Wolfes.
In the United Kingdom, the last name is most populous in the south and east of England, particularly in London. Here, families with the name can be found in nearly every corner of the capital – particularly in the boroughs of Southwark and Lambeth.
Outside of these two countries, the name is fairly scattered around the world, with sizeable populations in other parts of Europe, in South Africa, Australia, and Canada. In Canada, there are pockets of Wolfes in Manitoba, Toronto, and Ottawa.
No matter where you go, there are people who share the last name Wolfe – a testament to the name’s universality and far-reaching history.
Variations of the surname Wolfe
The surname Wolfe is derived from the Old English word "wulf" which means "wolf". As such, the surname has numerous variants, spellings and surname combinations that can be derived from the same root. Common variants include Woolf, Wolf, Wulff, Wulfe, Woolfe, Wolff, Wolph, Wolffe, and Wolfes. Other variations include Wolfs, Wolford, Wolfford, Wolfington, Wolfson, Wolfman, Wulfson, and Wylie.
In some cases, the surname can also derive from separate origins. For example, surnames such as Wolflin, Wollin, Wopple, and Vuolf can come from German roots, while Wolfaard and Wolford may come from Middle English or French.
In addition to traditional variants, the surname can also be altered in various ways. This includes prefixes such as Mac, itself derived from the Gaelic word meaning "son of," which can be used to create various surnames for the same individual or family. some examples of this include MacWolf, MacWolff, MacWulff, MacWoolfe, and MacWyllis. Similarly, adding various suffixes such as "-etti" and "-elli" is a common way to differentiate the same surname. For example, Wolfetti, Wolfely, Wolfelli, Wolfie, and Wolfordi, are all derived from the same root.
Famous people with the name Wolfe
- Tom Wolfe: Pulitzer Prize nominated American author and journalist noted for books such as The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, Radical Chic & Mau-Mauing the Flak Catchers and The Bonfire of the Vanities.
- R.L. Wolfe: American author of cozy mysteries including the Emma Garrison and Southern Sisters Mysteries series.
- Oliver Wolfe: Danish singer-songwriter and actor best known for his participation in the third series of the Danish X-factor.
- Bill Wolfe: American wrestling coach and father of professional wrestler Bray Wyatt.
- Bruce Wolfe: American illustrator and author of Stay: A Novel Illustrated in Monotypes.
- Brian Wolfe: Canadian professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Toronto Blue Jays.
- Jack Wolfe: British songwriter, musician, producer and performer.
- Lesley Wolfe: American artist specializing in watercolor and oil painting, sculpting, and photography.
- Betty Wolfe: Irish actress best known for films such as Brown Baby and many television series such as Citizens On Patrol.
- Arlene Wolfe-Milgrave: Canadian mystery writer and author of the Margot Family series.