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.
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
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME WOLF
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 her heartfelt compositions like "Here in California" and "Love Still Remains." Despite a short career, she left a lasting impact on the folk music scene. Wolf recorded six albums, with her music being honored posthumously through the Kate Wolf Music Festival. Her legacy lives on through covers of her songs by artists like Nanci Griffith and Emmylou Harris, showcasing the enduring appeal of her music.
Hillary Wolf
Hillary Jocelyn Wolf (born Feb 7, 1977) is an American former child actress and judoka. She is best known for her role as Megan in the Home Alone series alongside Macaulay Culkin. Wolf also competed in judo at the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics, winning the world judo championships for juniors in 1994. She now resides in Colorado with her husband and two sons, and they run a wrestling club together.
Masked Wolf
Harry Michael (born 12 Feb 1991) is an Australian rapper known professionally as Masked Wolf. He gained international fame with his hit song "Astronaut in the Ocean" in 2021, reaching high positions on music charts in Australia and the US. Raised by Greek immigrants, Michael's musical journey began at a young age, eventually leading him to sign with Elektra Records. His debut mixtape "Astronomical" showcased his talent, and collaborations with artists like Bebe Rexha have further solidified his place in the music industry.
Konrad Wolf
Konrad Wolf (20 Oct 1925 – 7 Mar 1982) was an East German film director known for his works such as "Stars" and "Goya or the Hard Way to Enlightenment." Born to a family of intellectuals and activists, he navigated his Jewish and Communist background through turbulent times like WWII and the Cold War. Wolf's films earned critical acclaim, winning awards at Cannes and Moscow film festivals. His legacy as a filmmaker and cultural figure in East Germany remains significant, influencing generations of artists. Wolf's life story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and navigating political landscapes through art.
Jasper Wolf
Jasper Wolf (born in Amsterdam, The Netherlands) is a Dutch cinematographer known for his work on films like Monos, Instinct, Paradise Drifters, and Code Blue. He is a member of the Netherlands Society of Cinematographers (NSC) and was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2020. Wolf's visually stunning work behind the camera has garnered critical acclaim and established him as a rising talent in the world of cinema.
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