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Last Name Wohlhuter

What is the origin of the last name Wohlhuter?

The last name "Wohlhuter" appears to have German origins. It is derived from the combination of two words: "wohl" meaning "well" or "good" and "huter" meaning "guard" or "caretaker." Therefore, the name can be interpreted as someone who is a "good guard" or the "caretaker of well-being."

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Wohlhuter

The meaning and origin of the last name Wohlhuter

The surname Wohlhuter is of German origin and is derived from the combination of two words: "wohl," meaning well or good, and "huter," which translates to protector or guardian. Therefore, the meaning of the surname Wohlhuter can be interpreted as "well-protected" or "good guardian." The origins of the Wohlhuter surname can be traced back to the medieval era, when surnames began to develop as a way to distinguish individuals. It is likely that Wohlhuter was initially used as a descriptive or occupational name for someone who was known as a skilled guardian or protector in their community. Over time, individuals who possessed these qualities came to be known as Wohlhuter and the name was passed down through generations. Today, individuals with the surname Wohlhuter can be found around the world, particularly in areas where German immigration has occurred. The name serves as a reminder of the ancestral heritage and the qualities of protection and guardianship that were valued by their forebears.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wohlhuter

The last name Wohlhuter is relatively rare and is primarily found in the United States. The majority of individuals with this surname can be traced back to Germany, specifically to the Baden-Württemberg region. Wohlhuter is of German origin and is likely to have migrated to the United States during the nineteenth or early twentieth century. Within the United States, the name is most common in Illinois, particularly around the Chicago area where a significant population of German immigrants settled. There may also be smaller pockets of individuals with the last name Wohlhuter in other states such as Wisconsin and California, where German descendants are known to have settled. Overall, the geographical distribution of the Wohlhuter name indicates that it is primarily concentrated in the United States, with its strongest presence in Illinois.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wohlhuter

The last name Wohlhuter has a few variations and spellings. One common variation is Wohlhueter, where the letter "t" is replaced with "u." Another variation is Wohlhütter, where the umlaut is added to the letter "u" indicating a different pronunciation for that vowel sound. Similarly, the spelling Wöhlhuter might be used to indicate the presence of the umlaut over the letter "o". Additionally, Wohlhutter is another possible variation where the letter "u" is replaced with double "t". Furthermore, variations such as Wohlhüter or Wöhlhueter may exist, combining elements from different variations or incorporating the umlaut in different positions. While these variations may differ in spelling, they generally refer to the same family name, Wohlhuter, which is of German origin.

Famous people with the last name Wohlhuter

While there may not be any globally recognized famous people with the last name Wohlhuter, there is a notable individual who has achieved success in their field. Tom Wohlhuter, an American athlete, gained prominence as a middle-distance runner in the 1970s. Born in 1950 in Illinois, Wohlhuter had a successful career in track and field, specializing in the 800 meters and 1500 meters events. He competed in the 1972 Munich Olympics, where he won a bronze medal in the 800 meters, becoming the first American to medal in that event since 1908. Wohlhuter's achievements also included breaking the world record in the indoor 600 meters in 1972. While his fame might not have reached a wide audience outside the track and field community, Tom Wohlhuter remains a distinguished figure in American sports history.

Genealogical research on the last name Wohlhuter

The surname Wohlhuter is believed to have originated in Germany. Genealogical research indicates that the earliest documented individuals with this last name were found in the region of Baden-Württemberg in the late 18th century. One of the earliest records is of a Johann Wohlhuter, born in the year 1785 in Lörrach. Further research suggests that the Wohlhuter family may have been associated with agricultural and farming activities in the region during that time. Over the years, the Wohlhuter name spread across various parts of Germany, with individuals migrating to different cities and regions. Some descendants of the Wohlhuter family eventually emigrated to other parts of the world, such as the United States, where the name may have undergone slight variations in spelling. Today, the Wohlhuter surname can still be found among individuals of German heritage, with different branches of the family residing both in Germany and abroad.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

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