Surname Wolferz - Meaning and Origin
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Wolferz: What does the surname Wolferz mean?
The last name Wolferz is an occupational surname derived from the Old German word for a “wolf-hunter” or “wolf-killer”, which was wulfers. This was a person who searched out and killing wolves, as these animals were seen as a threat to livestock and people. In the Middle Ages, the job of wulfers was considered a noble profession, with the title being passed down from generation to generation. During this time, there were few skilled hunters who were capable of taking on the predatory and dangerous task, and so the job of a wulfers was an important and respected one.
Throughout Europe, the title of wulfers was used until the 19th century when the wolf population began to decline due to deforestation and over-hunting. However, the surname Wolferz has survived in many countries as a reminder of the important role played by hunters of the past.
Today, Wolferz is still found in some countries, such as Germany, and some families have used it as a part of their own family name. In Germany, the meaning behind the name has all but been forgotten, and the surname is simply seen as a surname rather than its original occupational name. However, that doesn't mean the origins of the name have been forgotten, with many people still understanding its original purpose and importance.
Although the original meaning of the surname has been lost to time, the name Wolferz still carries a great weight and symbolism for people in certain parts of Europe. It is a reminder of a different time and the important role of those brave and skilled enough to take on the dangerous task of wolf-hunting.
Order DNA origin analysisWolferz: Where does the name Wolferz come from?
The surname Wolferz is most common in Switzerland and Germany today. It was adopted by the family of Michaels Wolferz of Germany and was soon spread throughout Europe by their migration to countries such as France, the Netherlands, and Denmark. In time, the surname made its way to the United States, and is still found mainly in two areas: the Midwest, especially Ohio, and the south, especially Texas. In both these areas, it is most commonly found among those of German and Swiss ancestry.
The exact derivation of Wolferz is somewhat uncertain. It may have originated from an occupational term for a wolf hunter. However, it is also speculated that it could have come from an Old High German personal name, “Wolpherz,” which in itself, is derived from two words, “wulf” (wolf) and “herz” (heart). Thus, it has been suggested that “Wolferz” may have originally meant “Wolfheart.”
Regardless of its origins, the surname is still used today by families of German and Swiss ancestry. While it may not be overly common, it still appears quite frequently in Germany and around Europe.
Variations of the surname Wolferz
The variant spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Wolferz are Wulferz, Wulfers, Wulffers, Wolfers, Wolfersz, Wolffers, Wulfersz, and Wulfersz.
Wulferz is the oldest form of the surname Wolferz, which was taken from a pre-7th century Germanic personal name made up of the elements “wulf” (wolf) and “heriz” (ruler or power), hence, “rule of the wolf”. The surname has its verifiable roots in the Middle Ages and was recorded in numerous illustrated charters of that period, including an example in the year 1215 when one Henricus Wulferz witnessed a charter at Frankfurt. Over time, the spelling of the surname evolved to Wulfers, Wulffers, Wulvers, Wulfersz, Molliffers, Wolfers, Wolfersz, Wolffers and Wolvers, as recordings include Henricus Wolffers in the Charters of the city of Dortmund in 1483, and Pavlus Wolfersz of Munchen-Gladbach in 1665.
Today, Wolferz is mainly found in the southern German states of Baden-Wurttemberg, Bavaria, Vienna and Switzerland, and families bearing the surname can be found in the United States, in particular, in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
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