Surname Wolfert - Meaning and Origin
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Wolfert: What does the surname Wolfert mean?
The origin of the surname Wolfert is German and Dutch and dates back to the Middle Ages. The name is said to be a combination of two words, Wolf and Hert, which together mean 'strong heart'. This could be interpreted as a wish of protection and strength from a higher power, as well as a sign of courage and determination.
Many people assume the surname Wolfert is derived from the old German word for 'wolf' (Wolf), however, this is unlikely since the word is derived from other languages such as Old Norse and Middle Dutch. It's more likely the name is derived from the Old High German words wolf ('wolf') and heri ('army, host'). Taken together, these words would mean a 'wolf army'.
Although the origin of the name is uncertain, the Wolferts have been present in various parts of the world for centuries. The name is most common in Germany and the Netherlands, and is also fairly common in both Poland and Slovakia. The United States also has a significant number of Wolferts, many of whom are descended from German and Dutch immigrants.
Today, the last name Wolfert is a reminder of the courage, determination, and strength the surname's original bearers possessed. It is a reminder that we should not only rely on our intellect and physical strength, but that we should also never forget the importance of having a strong spirit.
Order DNA origin analysisWolfert: Where does the name Wolfert come from?
The last name Wolfert is most prevalent in the modern day in the Netherlands and Germany. Most common in the Dutch province of Limburg, the name is derived from the old Dutch personal name “Wolf”, meaning "wolf". Wolfert is also believed to have originated from the Germanic word for an "animal-tamer".
The name Wolfert is also found in the United States, particularly concentrated in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and California. The highest concentrations are found in the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Pennsylvania is home to more than 354,000 people with the last name Wolfert.
The majority of those with the last name Wolfert are descendants of German or Dutch immigrants. In the early 1700s, the first Wolfert family migrated to the United States from Holland. Later, in the mid-1800s, German immigrants began to make their way to the United States, bringing the last name Wolfert with them.
The last name has spread beyond the borders of the United States and can be found in other countries, But while the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands have the highest concentrations today, the name Wolfert can occasionally be found in Russia, the United Kingdom, and Canada, as well as in other, more remote countries.
Variations of the surname Wolfert
The Wolfert surname has a couple of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant of this surname is Waltfert, which is the Dutch spelling of this name. Wolfertz is another spelling, which is more common in German-speaking countries. Other variants and spellings of this name include Wolffert, Wulfert, Wolfers, Wolffers, Wolfarts, Wulfarts, Wulfers and Wulfersort.
There are also surnames of the same origin that are derived from Wolfert, including Wolfarth, Wolfe, Wolfing, Wolfinger, Woolfert, Woolfart, Wolfram, Wulfram, Woolfards, Wolverts and Woolf. These surnames are derived from the German and Dutch names Wolf and Wulf, which both mean wolf, though they have been slightly altered depending on the country of origin.
Additionally, Wolfert is also frequently seen with the German patronymic suffixes -mann and -er. These suffixes, which mean man and people respectively, indicate the surname was used as a patronymic (passed down from the father's given name). Therefore, names such as Wolfermann, Wolfersmann, Wolfertmann, Wolfer, Wolferser and Wolfertser, among others, are also derived from the ancient surname Wolfert.
Famous people with the name Wolfert
- Pete Wolfert: American inventor specializing in oven technology and methodologies related to food preparation.
- Rebecca Wolfert: American businesswoman and philanthropist.
- Danny Wolfert: American actor best known for his roles in the films Welcome to Mooseport and 10 Items or Less.
- Melissa Wolfert: American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
- Paula Wolfert: American cookbook author and food consultant.
- Edward Wolfert: American entrepreneur and development strategist.
- Allen Wolfert: American lawyer and litigator.
- Dirk Wolfert: American military historian and author.
- Samuel Wolfert: German violinist, composer and violin teacher.
- Keuntje Wolfert: Dutch archaeologist and curator.