Surname Wohlfarth - Meaning and Origin

Reflections on the Wohlfarth Surname: Discoveries from My iGENEA DNA Test

Through the profound insight provided by the iGENEA DNA results, my family history and the importance of my surname, Wohlfarth, have been brought to light in ways I had never imagined. The journey has not just been about tracing my biological origins, but also about discovering a sense of belonging and understanding the stories that make me who I am today.

I. Wohlfarth

Wohlfarth: What does the surname Wohlfarth mean?

The surname Wohlfarth is an old German surname which has been associated with the city of Hamburg in Northern Germany for centuries. The name is derived from a combination of two German words, "wohl" and "fahrt", which together translate to mean "happy journey". It is likely that the name was adopted by someone on a long, happy journey, or a traveler who wanted to be remembered for their journey home.

Over time, the meaning of Wohlfarth evolved to represent a sense of prosperity, contentment, happiness or joy. It is the German equivalent of the English surname 'Wellfare' or 'Prospere'. It is likely that families who adopted this surname felt they had found a good living or a safe haven of security and comfort in their new home.

Some famous figures who have this surname include the German sculptor Christoph Wohlfarth, the American physicist Robert Wohlfarth, the German author, storyteller and illustrator Thomas Wohlfahrt, and the American soccer player Bill Wohlfarth.

The surname Wohlfarth is an interesting reminder of the fortunate journey that brought one in search of a newfound destiny. It is a reminder of overcoming obstacles and embarking on a journey with hope and optimism, eventually finding a new home and a renewed sense of joy and contentment.

Wohlfarth: Where does the name Wohlfarth come from?

The last name Wohlfarth is most commonly found in Germany today although the name is found around the world in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, France, the United Kingdom, and Israel.

In Germany, the name Wohlfarth primarily originated in Hesse and Bavaria. Wohlfarth is the 8,756th most common surname in Germany and the surname is found throughout the country, with particularly high concentrations in Rheinland-Pfalz, North-Rhine Westphalia, Bavaria, and Baden-Württemberg. Additionally, there are 1,336 Wohlfarths in the United States, many of whom settled in Pennsylvania.

The roots of the Wohlfarth surname can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Germany. During this time, it was common practice to combine a person’s given name with a location to create their surname. Thus, Wohlfarth originated with a person whose given name was Wolf, combined with the location “Farth”, meaning “forest” in old German. Therefore, the surname Wohlfarth literally translates to “Wolf from the Forrest.”

The name Wohlfarth likely has pagan roots, and the prefix “Woelf” remains popular in German legends today. For instance, in fairy tales and the like, Woelfen are commonly depicted as wise, fearless warriors. While the origin of the family has been lost to time, there is still a sense of pride associated with the Wohlfarth surname in Germany.

Variations of the surname Wohlfarth

The surname Wohlfarth has numerous variants and spellings, as well as related surnames that are of the same origin. Wohlfarth itself is a German surname derived from the Germanic root "wulf" (wolf) and "hardt" (strong). It loosely translates to "strong wolf".

The spellings and variants of the surname Wohlfarth include: Welfarth, Wolfarth, Wolffarth, Wohlfard, Wohlfahrt, Wohlfahrth, Wulfarth, Wolfhardt, Wolffard, Wolfhard, Wulfhard, Welford and Wolfaard.

The other surnames of German origin related to the surname Wohlfarth include: Wolfram, Wolfe, Wolfgang, Wolfmann, Wolff, Wolfman, Woolf, Wolfson, Wolfkins, Wolfer, Wolffen, Wolflin, Wolfred, Wolfley, Wolfert and Wolfskill.

These different versions of the same surname can be found in records from all over the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, as well as other European countries.

Famous people with the name Wohlfarth

• Alexander Wohlfarth, a German shot put athlete and four-time Olympian
• Robert Wohlfarth, an American former professional ice hockey player
• Christopher Wohlfarth, a German football player
• Bart Wohlfarth, a former professional rugby league footballer
• Philipp Wohlfarth, a German swimmer
• Felix Wohlfarth, a Swiss rower
• Andreas Wohlfarth, a German judoka
• Sarah Wohlfarth, a German curler
• Ludwig Wohlfarth, a German canoeist
• Robert Wohlfarth, a German professional footballer
• Marc Wohlfarth, a German Paralympic swimmer
• Dave van Wohlfarth, an American professional soccer player
• Jörg Wohlfarth, a German ballet dancer
• Monika Wohlfarth-Höhnle, a German theologian
• Elijah Wohlfarth, an American soccer player
• William Wohlfarth, an American classical composer

Other surnames

Wohlfart