Wolf Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Wolf come from? What does the surname Wolf mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Wolf and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Farkas, Littlewolf, Lupu, Volf, Volkov, Vuk, Wilf, Woelfel, Wolfanger, Wolfe, Wolfel, Wolff, Wolffe, Wolfman, Wolfson, Wolpert, Woolf, Woulfe, Wulf
Surname Wolf Origin: What does the last name Wolf mean?
Wolf is a common surname and given name among Germanic-speaking peoples, with variants like Wulf also prevalent. It is a name that translates to "wolf" in English and is found in many nations, including Native American communities in North America where the grey wolf once roamed extensively. The earliest known record of the surname Wolf dates back to Wales in the early 13th century, with significant growth in Germany by the 15th century. The surname spread globally over the centuries, with the United States currently having the highest concentration of individuals with the Wolf surname.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Wolf surname in the United Kingdom since the early 13th century, with a notable increase in Germany by the 15th century. The surname continued to expand worldwide, with a strong presence in the United States by the 18th century. Today, the Wolf surname can be found in various countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, highlighting its widespread global distribution and rich historical legacy.
Wolf Last Name History: Where did the last name Wolf come from?
Origin of Wolf Surname: Where does the last name Wolf originate from?
The earliest known record of the surname Wolf in the YourRoots database appears in Wales, United Kingdom, in the early 13th century. It's important to note that these records reflect the exact spelling "Wolf" and may not account for other variations of the surname or records from other sources.
History of the Last Name Wolf: What does the Wolf surname history look like in the early days?
The Wolf surname seems to have originated and remained in Wales during the 13th and 14th centuries. However, by the 15th century, the volume of Wolf family records had started to grow significantly in Germany, suggesting a shift or spread of the surname. This trend continued into the 16th and 17th centuries, with Germany recording the highest frequency of the Wolf surname based on the YourRoots data.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Wolf surname today?
By the 18th century, the volume of records for the Wolf surname in the United States had surpassed that of Germany, a trend that continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. The Wolf surname is widespread in the United States today, reflecting a significant global spread over the centuries. However, the surname Wolf is not exclusive to the United States. The YourRoots data also shows its presence in several other countries, including but not limited to Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Explore Wolf last name heritage and Wolf surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Wolf Surame?
Kate Wolf
Kate Louise Wolf (January 27, 1942 - December 10, 1986) was an influential American folk singer and songwriter. Known for songs like "Give Yourself to Love" and "Love Still Remains," she made a lasting impact on the folk music scene. Despite her short career, her music continues to inspire artists today.
Hillary Wolf
Hillary Jocelyn Wolf (born Feb 7, 1977) is an American former child actress known for her role as Megan in the Home Alone series. She also excelled in judo, representing the U.S. at the Olympics. Wolf now resides in Colorado with her family and runs a wrestling club.
Konrad Wolf
Konrad Wolf (20 Oct 1925 - 7 Mar 1982) was an East German film director, known for his award-winning films like "Stars" and "Goya or the Hard Way to Enlightenment." Son of writer Friedrich Wolf, he navigated a complex identity shaped by his Jewish heritage and Soviet upbringing.
Jasper Wolf
Jasper Wolf, NSC, is a Dutch cinematographer known for his work on Monos, Instinct, Paradise Drifters, and Code Blue. Born in Amsterdam, he is a member of the Netherlands Society of Cinematographers and Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences since 2020.
Dragutin Wolf
Dragutin Wolf (1866–1927) was a Croatian Jewish industrialist and founder of the food company Koestlin in Bjelovar. He revolutionized the production of baked goods with a prolonged shelf life and became one of the wealthiest people in town. Despite facing hardships during the Holocaust, his legacy lives on through his family's resilience.
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