Surname Völkert - Meaning and Origin
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Völkert: What does the surname Völkert mean?
The last name Völkert is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "volker" which means people. It is a descriptive name given to someone who was held in high regard within the community or who was seen as a leader amongst the people.
The name has undergone various spellings throughout its existence, including Volkart, Volkert, Volkhardt, Völker and more. It is considered a patronymic surname, which is a surname created from the father's personal name and is often passed down generations.
Throughout the centuries the Völkert surname has been associated with individuals who have taken up positions of authority or held an important role in local communities. People have used the name to identify themselves as personalities of importance or a respected member of society. It has helped to identify those with significant accomplishment or personal achievements.
Today the name Völkert remains common within many central European countries including Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic. It is associated with families whose descendants still carry the name, as well as those whoers who have adopted the title in recent generations.
Order DNA origin analysisVölkert: Where does the name Völkert come from?
The surname Völkert is common in the German-speaking countries of Europe. The majority of people with this surname live in Germany, particularly in the Rhineland, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Lower Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein. Research suggests that the significant number of Italian and Austrian families with the surname Völkert are likely descendants of German colonists who migrated to those areas during the Middle Ages.
The surname Völkert has also spread to other parts of the world due to the emigration of German people in previous centuries. There are notable populations in the United States and Canada, and it is also common among German-speaking immigrants in Latin America, particularly in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.
The etymology of the name Völkert is most likely Germanic, with first records of the name dating back to 1250-1500 AD. The key element of the surname is the Germanic suffix "-ert", which means "a man". Thus, the meaning of Völkert is essentially "people's man" – a name indicative of a kind and generous person.
The continued popularity of the Völkert surname is a testament to the strength of Germanic culture and heritage. Today, people with the Völkert surname still represent the extent of the global reach of the German language.
Variations of the surname Völkert
The Völkert surname has some common variants, spellings and other surnames of the same origin as this surname. Variations on the Völkert surname include Volkert, Volckert, Volkhard, Volkhart, and Volker. Additionally, the surnames Volcke, Volckers, and Volckmans are believed to be related to the Völkert surname.
The variation in spelling of the surname is likely due to many different local dialects and phonological changes throughout Europe’s history; this would explain why, for example, Volkhart and Volker may be related but not spellings of the same name. Additionally, prior to the standardization of surnames throughout Europe during the late 18th century, many people simply chose whatever spelling of the surname sounded closest to how they pronounced it.
The origin of the Völkert surname is from Germanic roots and it is believed to have originated from the Middle Ages. The root of the name likely comes from the Germanic words ‘folk’ or ‘volke’, meaning ‘people’ or ‘tribe’. The suffix ‘-er’ indicates that the family likely held a significant place in the tribal structure, such as a notable leader.
In addition to its origin, the Völkert surname has also migrated to other countries. In the United States, the surname was primarily found on the east, and seemed to be especially prevalent in the New England states of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. It is also found in other countries, including South Africa, Brazil and France.
Famous people with the name Völkert
- Mathias Völkert: German actor
- Rebekka Völkert: German rower
- Bernhard Völkert: German long-distance runner
- Wolfgang Völkert: German actor and director
- Ottfried Völkert: German film and television actor
- Erich Völkert: German sculptor
- Jürgen Völkert: German flew to the International Space Station in 2002
- Annasher Völkert: German high jumper
- Johannes Völkert: German actor and film producer
- Meik Völkert: German filmmaker and artist