Last Name Wohlers

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wohlers

The meaning and origin of the last name Wohlers

The surname Wohlers is of German origin, derived from a geographical name or a topographic name, indicating residence near a forest or wooded area. The name can be traced back to the Old High German word "walhaz" meaning "forest dweller" or "woodsman." Over time, it has been spelled in various ways, including Wohler and Wohlers, due to regional dialects and scribal differences. It is believed that the name was borne by several prominent figures in Germany, contributing to its widespread adoption among the population. Today, individuals with the surname Wohlers can be found across the globe, particularly in countries with a significant German diaspora, such as the United States and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wohlers

The surname Wohlers is predominantly found in Germany, with significant concentrations in the regions of Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia. It is also present in other parts of Europe, including Switzerland, Austria, and France, likely due to historical migrations and settlements. Beyond Europe, the name can be found in countries with German immigrant populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. In the United States, the highest concentrations of Wohlers are in states like California, Texas, Illinois, and Wisconsin, reflecting immigration patterns from Germany during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wohlers

The surname Wohlers has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and family interpretation over time. Some of these variants include: Woelkers, Woelker, Wohler, Woehler, Wöhler (German), Wohlers-Vischer, and Wohler-Vischer. These variations may occur when the surname is passed down through generations or due to assimilation into different cultures. The original German name "Woelkers" or "Wohler" likely derives from a topographical name for someone who lived near a marshy area or a stream, as it is derived from the Middle High German words "wolker" meaning "muddy" or "marshy." The variation Wöhler includes the umlaut over the 'o', a common feature in modern standard German spelling to indicate pronunciation. The combination Wohlers-Vischer and Wohler-Vischer might suggest that at some point, individuals with the surname Wohler married into the Vischer family and adopted their name as a double-barreled surname.

Famous people with the last name Wohlers

One of the most notable individuals with the surname Wohlers is Hermann Wohlers (1817-1892), a German botanist who made significant contributions to plant physiology and paleobotany, particularly through his studies on ferns and horsetails. Another prominent figure is Werner Wohlers (born 1956), a German mathematician known for his work in numerical analysis, especially in the field of optimal control theory. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to mathematics, including the Gauss Prize. Furthermore, there's John Wohlers, an American professional ice hockey player who played as a defenseman for several National Hockey League teams throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In addition, Lisa Wohlers is an accomplished American voice actress who has lent her voice to numerous animated films and television shows, such as "The Simpsons," "Family Guy," and "American Dad!" Lastly, Jürgen Wohlers, a German architect, designed the Hamburg Fish Market Center, which won the Stirling Prize for Europe's best building in 2007.

Genealogical research on the last name Wohlers

The Wohlers surname originates from Germany and is derived from various locales with the same name, primarily found in the Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and Baden-Württemberg regions. The earliest known record of the Wohlers family dates back to the late Middle Ages, with Matthias Wohler mentioned in a document from 1480 in the town of Alzey, Rhineland-Palatinate.

Over time, several branches and variations of the Wohlers surname emerged as families migrated across Europe and eventually to other parts of the world. Notable among them are the Wohlers family in America who can trace their roots back to Johannes Wohler, a German immigrant who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1752. Another notable branch is the Wohlers family from Alsace, France, who have been documented since the late 1600s.

Throughout history, members of the Wohlers family have made significant contributions to various fields, including medicine, engineering, and education. In modern times, many descendants of the Wohlers surname reside in North America, Europe, and Australia, maintaining a rich heritage that spans several centuries and continents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Wohlers"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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.
Last updated : 28 July 2025