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Last Name Vollrath

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What is the origin of the last name Vollrath?

The surname Vollrath has German origins. It is a compound name derived from "Volf" (wolf) and "Rat" (counsel), meaning "Counselor Wolf". This name was often given to individuals who were considered wise or shrewd, much like the characteristics of a wolf. The name Vollrath can also be found in Dutch and Scandinavian regions due to historical migrations and colonization.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vollrath

The meaning and origin of the last name Vollrath

The surname Vollrath is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "Vollrat," which translates to 'full-counsel' or 'wise counselor.' It is composed of two elements: 'voll,' meaning full, and 'rat,' meaning counsel or advice. This surname would have been given to a wise or prudent person who was respected for his counsel within their community. The name Vollrath first appeared in records from the medieval era, primarily in regions such as Bavaria, Swabia, and Westphalia. It is one of many Germanic surnames that were initially occupational or descriptive in nature, serving to identify individuals by their professions, personal characteristics, or places of origin. Over time, these surnames have been passed down through generations, continuing to be a common name within the German-speaking world and its diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vollrath

The last name Vollrath is predominantly found in Central and Northern Europe, particularly in Germany and neighboring countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Poland. A significant number of individuals with this surname reside in the states of Thuringia, Bavaria, Saxony-Anhalt, and North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany. The name is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe, including Scandinavia, France, and the United Kingdom. Beyond Europe, some individuals with the Vollrath surname can be found in North America, particularly in the United States, where it is concentrated in areas with a high German-American population, such as Texas, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. The distribution of this surname reflects historical migration patterns from Europe to other parts of the world, primarily during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vollrath

The surname Vollrath possesses multiple variants and spellings due to phonetic and regional differences over time. Some common variations include Vollarth, Volrath, and Wollrath, which stem from slight alterations in pronunciation or spelling conventions within different regions or families. Other possible spellings might be Volrathe, Wolrath, Volraad, Vohlrath, Wohlrath, and Vhollrath, among others, reflecting the diverse ways this surname has been recorded historically. The origins of the name are Germanic, derived from the elements "wolf" (meaning wolf) and "rad" (counsel or advice), symbolizing a wise and powerful figure in ancient times.

Famous people with the last name Vollrath

Prominent individuals sharing the surname Vollrath include:

1. David Vollrath - A British marine biologist and Professor of Zoology at the University of Oxford, known for his research on fish behavior and evolution.

2. Michael Vollrath - An American artist whose works encompass painting, drawing, and printmaking. His art explores themes of mythology, history, and personal narrative.

3. Lothar Vollrath - A German mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of differential geometry. He is best known for his work on the study of surfaces and their curvatures.

4. Dagmar Vollrath - A British scientist specializing in virology, particularly focusing on the replication of viruses and developing antiviral drugs. She has worked extensively with HIV and influenza viruses.

5. Martin J. Vollrath - A German biophysicist who was one of the pioneers in the development of optical tweezers, a technique used to manipulate and study biological molecules at the nanoscale level.

Genealogical research on the last name Vollrath

The surname Vollrath has German origins and is derived from the Middle High German words 'vol' meaning 'strong' or 'powerful' and 'rat' meaning 'counsel.' The first recorded instance of the name dates back to the 13th century in regions such as Thuringia and Saxony. Throughout history, several notable figures bearing the Vollrath surname have emerged, including Georg Vollrath (1549-1616), a German astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of cartography. Additionally, Andreas Vollrath (1810-1872), a prominent architect from Germany, is renowned for his work on Gothic Revival architecture. Today, the Vollrath surname is prevalent not only in Germany but also in countries where German immigrants settled, such as the United States and Canada. Genealogical research can be traced through various online platforms and archives, offering a wealth of information to those seeking to delve deeper into their family history with the Vollrath name.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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