Surname Wolfering - Meaning and Origin
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Wolfering: What does the surname Wolfering mean?
The last name Wolfering is of German and Dutch origin, and it derives from the Middle High German term "wolferinge" or "wolvenringe" meaning "wolf's ring". The name likely indicates a family that traditionally occupied or inhabited a location where ancient symbols of the wolf, such as a stone circle, were present. Symbolic of the protective and loyal nature of the wolf, such a ring was common in Germanic villages as a method to ward off predators.
The surname Wolfering is primarily found in Germany and the Low Countries, particularly in Germany's Westphalia region. Alternate spellings of the surname include Wolferink, Wolferink, Wolffering, and Wolfferingh.
Researching the name can also give clues to its original origin, as it is derived from the Middle High German wulge, meaning "to wolf down". This could indicate a staffer meaning a qualified scavenger or even a butcher who was tasked with the disposal of animals that had died or been killed due to illness or accident.
Much like the wolf, the Wolfering surname is a mark of strength, loyalty and a protective nature. Those with this last name should be proud of what it stands for and the rich history of their surname.
Order DNA origin analysisWolfering: Where does the name Wolfering come from?
The last name Wolfering is primarily found in the Netherlands, where it is relatively common. Records of the name began appearing in the country as early as the 16th century, according to the Genealogical Society of Holland (GGD Holland).
The majority of Wolfering families are concentrated in the Gelderland province, as well as in the more northern Netherlands provinces. Beyond the Netherlands, the Wolfering surname is also found in Germany, with much more rare occurrences throughout Scandinavia and other parts of Europe. It is thought to have derived from the Old German "Wulfering," meaning a descendant of Wulf or Wolf, a popular first name in Germany in the Middle Ages.
In terms of today's global population, Wolfering is a relatively rare surname. According to the website AncientFaces, there are currently less than 1,000 people in the world who share this surname. Its highest concentration remains in the Netherlands, but one can also find Wolferings living in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Variations of the surname Wolfering
The surname Wolfering is of German origin, derived from the Old High German name “Wolfheri”. It is believed to have been first established in Alsace around the 12th century.
Variations of the surname Wolfering can be found in many countries, such as Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands and parts of Europe. Common variants of the surname include Wolfring, Woolfring, Woolfering, Wolferung and Wollfering.
The variations are often divided into two separate branches, one being Wolfringer and the other Wollferinger. The Wolfringer branch is more common in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, while the Wollferinger branch is most common in the Netherlands.
Other variants of Wolfering can be found in Fritz Wolfinger, Wolfgang Wolfinger, Wolfinger-Wolfringer, Wolfersching, Wullfering, Wulffinger and toulffering.
The most common related surnames are Wolff, Wollf, Wolf, Wolfer, Völker, Völkner, Volgenau and Wolfert. Several notable people who carry the Wolfering surname include American journalist Erik Wolfering and professional footballer Otis Wolfinger.
Famous people with the name Wolfering
- Dietrich Wolfering: German entrepreneur and founder of Wolfering Acoustics, an acoustic engineering company; recipient of the Klaus Murmann Award for the development and build of loudspeakers for the study of beehive behavior
- Wulf Wolfering: foundation director of Media Foundation, a media research center based in Berlin, Germany; founder of the Open Source Film Festival
- Bernd Wolfering: founder and CEO of Wolfering offerings Ltd, an internationally renown engineering company specializing in energy technology solutions; Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner in 2010
- Klaus Wolfering: former chairman of the Rudersdorf Business Association and recipient of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Joachim Wolfering: painter and award-winning figurative artist whose works are displayed in numerous galleries and exhibitions
- Helmut Wolfering: physicist, professor of quantum mechanics at the Institute of Technology, and author of several research papers
- Jorg Wolfering: former mayor of Kirburg and active conservationist; honorary member of the International Society for Environmental Protection
- Jan Wolfering: producer and director of feature films, television dramas, mini-series, and children's television shows; founder of Wolfering Media, a production company
- Michael Wolfering: composer and professor of composition at the University of Cologne; Wolfering Prize recipient for his contributions to contemporary music
- Matthias Wolfering: IT specialist and founder of Wolfering Technology, a leading technology magazine in Germany