Surname Olbrig - Meaning and Origin

Olbrig: What does the surname Olbrig mean?

The last name Olbrig originates from the German-Jewish surname, which was derived from the personal name Olbrig. This name was a medieval given name that was formed from combining the elements “olf” (wolf) and “brig” (bright or shining).

In the Middle Ages, Jews tended to adopt given names derived from animals and birds as symbolic reminders of biblical scenes and as reminders of the power of God over nature. By taking symbolic animal names, Jews were able to express their faith in a unique way.

Though the root of the name Olbrig is German-Jewish, the surname is found in several countries, such as Austria, Denmark and Norway. The name is also believed to have origins in Latin, as its underlying root “brig” means “he who shines.”

In modern times, there are many meanings associated with the surname Olbrig, including “bright wolf,” “loyal protector,” as well as “noble and strong-willed.”

The name Olbrig is fairly common, and those who carry it can take pride in its significance and unique history. The fact that the name has been around for centuries means that families carrying the name have been shaped by its history. Those who have inherited the name can take comfort in the fact that the name holds a deep meaning and is a part of a greater history.

Olbrig: Where does the name Olbrig come from?

The last name Olbrig is most commonly found in Norway today. The name is derived from the Old Norse words 'ulf' meaning wolf and 'brig' meaning a clearing in the woods. The Olbrig name began to be used in the 14th century and is one of the oldest Norwegian surnames still living. The Olbrig family held positions of power in Norway since the 15th century and were among the wealthiest families in Norway by the 17th century.

Today, the last name Olbrig is still the 19th most common surname in Norway. Norwegian is the only country where the last name Olbrig is ranked in the top 500 surnames. It is very rare to find the last name Olbrig outside of Scandinavia.

In the US, there are just over fifty people with the last name Olbrig. The majority of Olbrig’s in America are descendants from Norway through immigration during the 19th century.

Despite its rarity and age, the last name Olbrig is still a strong presence in Norway today. For those with the last name, it is a reminder of an ancient lineage and a proud part of Norwegian history.

Variations of the surname Olbrig

The surname Olbrig is of German origin, and is derived from Middle High German words meaning "noble" and "protection". Variants of the surname Olbrig include Oelbryg and Oelbrygg.

The German spelling of the surname is Olbrich, which is derived from Middle High German words meaning "noble" and "brig". Variants of this spelling include Oelbriche and Oelbrich.

Another spelling of the surname is Olbrech, which is derived from Middle High German words meaning "noble" and "breaking". Variants of this spelling include Oelbrech and Oelbreche.

The surname Olbrig is also found in Dutch and Flemish countries, typically spelled - Olbrecht or Olbreghts. Variants of this spelling include Oelbrecht and Oelbrechts.

In Denmark, the surname is spelled Olbrig and variants include Oelbryg and Oelbrygg.

In Norway, the surname is generally spelled Olbrygg, derived from Middle High German words meaning "noble" and "protection." Variants of this spelling include Oelbrygg and Oelbrygge.

The somewhat rare Olbryggen surname, is a Norwegian variant derived from the Middle High German olbrechte, which means “noble” and “breaking”. Variants of this spelling include Oelbryggen and Oelbrygge.

The surname Olbrig is also found in Sweden, where it is typically spelled Olbrigh. Variants of this spelling include Oelbrigh and Oelbrygh.

In Poland, the surname Ołbrych is also found, which is derived from Middle High German words meaning "noble" and "protection." Variants of this spelling include Oelbrych and Oelbrychs.

Famous people with the name Olbrig

• Heinz Olbrig (German footballer)
• Wilhelm Olbrig (German politician)
• Leonard Olbrig (American painter)
• Frida Olbrig (German television presenter)
• Peter Olbrig (German pianist)
• Djuro Olbrig (Croatian footballer)
• Annika Olbrig (Swedish politician)
• Peter Olbrig (German film director)
• Hermenegildo Olbrig (Uruguayan footballer)
• Serenus Olbrig (German caricaturist)
• Ingolf Olbrig (German composer)
• Bodo Olbrig (German linguist)
• Monika Olbrig (German musicologist)
• Christian Olbrig (Swedish attorney)
• Hennes Olbrig (German sport basketball coach)
• Marianne Olbrig (German politician)
• Jan-Kees Olbrig (Dutch furnishing industrial designer)
• Ralf Olbrig (German archery athlete)
• Elke Olbrig (German Paralympic basketball player)
• Eberhard Olbrig (German musician, composer, and teacher)

Other surnames

OlbrichOlbricht