Wolf Surname: Origin and Coat of Arms
What does Wolf mean, and where does it come from? Here is a brief introduction.
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Origin of the Wolf name
Wolf comes from the old Germanic given name Wolf, a short form of names such as Wolfgang and Wolfram, or from a nickname for a fierce or cunning person. It could also come from a house sign showing a wolf. It is common throughout Germany and Austria, and as an Ashkenazic Jewish surname it was linked with the name Benjamin, whom Genesis compares to a wolf.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Wolf name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Wolf name in Germany. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as Austria, the United States and Switzerland; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
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Wolf name FAQ
What does the Wolf name mean?
Wolf (given name or nickname). Common variants include Wolff, Wulf, Wolfe.
Where does the Wolf surname come from?
It originates in Germany, and is also found in Austria, the United States and Switzerland.
Is there a Wolf coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Wolf crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Wolf coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: Duden Familiennamen; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford).