Surname Eckwolf - Meaning and Origin
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Eckwolf: What does the surname Eckwolf mean?
The last name Eckwolf is a German surname derived from the Middle High German words “ecke” and “wlf” which roughly translate as “edge” and “wolf”, respectively. As such, it is believed to be an occupational name, referring to a person who was responsible for guarding the edges of a forest from encroaching wolves. The name is still commonly found in many parts of Germany and surrounding countries.
As with many German surnames, variations in spelling have evolved over time. The most common known versions of this name are Eckwolf, Eckwulf, Eckenwolf, Eckenwulf, Eckewulf, Ickewolf, and Ickenwolf.
In terms of historical records, the earliest use of this surname dates back to the region of Saxony in the 13th century. It was the surname of the noble and influential Eckwolf family, who were initially lords of the village Waize and then later received the title of “Freiherr” (or Baron) as well.
The Eckwolf surname was associated with several branches of the family, all of whom had various arms, coats of arms, and seals. Common symbols associated with this name include a tower, a black lion on a red background, and two standing wolves facing each other. This symbol is believed to represent vigilance and protection, representing the family's original occupation of guarding forests from predators.
It is also worth mentioning that the last name Eckwolf is still very much alive today, adopted by countless descendants of the original Eckwolf family. As such, it continues to be a part of German heritage and tradition.
Order DNA origin analysisEckwolf: Where does the name Eckwolf come from?
The last name Eckwolf is not especially common today, though it does appear as a surname in some parts of the world. It has its origins in German-speaking areas, particularly in the Rhineland region of Germany.
In Germany itself, the name is not particularly widespread. However, it is still seen in parts of the Rhineland, especially in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. Here, it is usually found in small villages, as well as in some of the larger cities, such as Cologne and Bonn.
In the United States, there are a few Eckwolves in places like Wisconsin, Illinois, and Missouri. In the Midwest, the name appears to be particularly common in Wisconsin, and is mainly concentrated in the counties of Green, Rock, and Racine.
Elsewhere, the name is rarely found. In Canada, it appears mainly in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, and in Australia, it appears mainly in New South Wales.
Overall, the name Eckwolf is not especially common, though it may be more widespread in certain parts of Germany, the United States, Canada, and Australia than elsewhere.
Variations of the surname Eckwolf
The surname Eckwolf (or Eckwolff) is derived from a Germanic personal name, "Ekke" (or "Ekkehard"), meaning "edge" or "side", combined with "wolf", meaning "wolf". This surname can be found in several variations, including Ekkewolf, Ekewolf, Ekewolff, and Eckewolf.
For English speakers, the surname Eckwolf may also be seen spelled as Eckwolff, Eckwulf, Eckewold, and Eckwald. These spellings are all derived from the same Germanic root name.
In the United States, the surname Eckwolf may also be seen spelled as Eckwole and Eckaule.
Other surnames of similar origin that may be related to Eckwolf include Ekewoldt, Akwolf, Ackwardt, Ekell, Eckhold, Eckart, and Eckelmann.
The surname Eckwolf also exists in many geographic variants. In Poland, for example, the surname may be seen spelled as Ekiel, Ekielowicz, Ekielski, and Ekier. In Austria, it may be seen spelled as Akward. In the Netherlands, it may be seen spelled as Akwarth. In Sweden, it may be seen spelled as Eklöf or Ekelund. In Germany, it may be seen spelled as Eckwelt, Echwolff, or Echwald.
Despite the various spellings and geographical variants, the surname Eckwolf is generally accepted by genealogists and historians. For this reason, all of the spellings and variants listed above can be considered to be of the same origin.
Famous people with the name Eckwolf
- William Earl Eckwolf (1822-1903) was an American politician from the Democratic Party who served as a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district.
- J. Bruce Eckwolf (1921-2002) was an American attorney and politician in the state of Pennsylvania who was a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
- Matthew J. Eckwolf (1868-1945) was an American politician and a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives.
- Francis Paul Eckwolf (1848-1918) was an American soldier who served in the Union Army during the Civil War.
- Darnell Eckwolf (1956-present) is an American actor best known for his starring role in the 1990 movie, White Palace.
- Ann Eckwolf (1915-1995) was prominent figure in the entertainment industry, who received three Primetime Emmy Awards for her work.
- Dorothy Eckwolf (1908-2006) was an American sculptor notable for her monument Mother & Child.
- Chris Eckwolf (1973-present) is an American studio engineer and member of the recording academy who has worked with artists such as U2, Lady Gaga, and Bob Dylan.
- Kenneth Eckwolf (1930-present) is an American retired lawyer, professor, and author who has published several books including, Property Law: Examples & Explanations.