Surname Uhlig - Meaning and Origin

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G. Uhlig

Uhlig: What does the surname Uhlig mean?

The last name Uhlig is of German origin and it is considered to be an occupational surname. The term "Uhlig" derived from the German word "Uhl", which means owl. Thus, Uhlig could potentially mean "owl-like" or "pertaining to an owl". Owls were often associated with being a night watchman during the middle ages in Germany. Therefore, this surname may have been originally given to individuals who worked as watchmen or guards during the night. This is similar to how many other occupational surnames were developed. For instance, a person named "Smith" likely had ancestors who were blacksmiths, and a person named "Baker" probably had ancestors who were bakers. As such, it can be seen that the last name Uhlig has a strong connection and interesting history tied to the profession of night time guarding in medieval Germany.

Uhlig: Where does the name Uhlig come from?

Uhlig is a relatively common German surname, originating from the German region of Silesia in Southwest Poland. It is most commonly found today in Germany, Austria, Poland and Hungary, although there are also a few scattered cases tracing the name to other German-speaking countries such as Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, as well as a few cases in the United States.

In Germany, Uhlig was an especially common name in the historic region of Saxony and its cities such as Dresden, Chemnitz, Leipzig and Zwickau, as well as Prussian Silesia including the city of Gleiwitz. It can also be seen in the former East Prussian cities of Königsberg and Tilsit, which are now part of Russia.

In Poland, Uhlig can be found in the former province of Silesia, now primarily in the provinces of Lower Silesia, Opole, and Silesian Voivodeship, as well as some areas of Upper Silesia such as Cieszyn and Zabrze.

In Austria, Uhlig is commonly seen around the city of Vienna, and is particularly strong in the regions of Lower Austria, Upper Austria, and Styria.

In Hungary, Uhlig is mainly concentrated in the northern provinces including Budapest, Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, and Szolnok-Doboka.

In the United States, Uhlig has had a presence since the mid 1800s, mainly in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin and Illinois. There are also some scattered cases in states such as New York, Florida, and California.

Variations of the surname Uhlig

The Uhlig surname is a German name of locational origin, derived from the place Uhl near Berleburg in Westfalen. Variations and spellings of Uhlig include Uehlig, Ullig, Uhlig, Uhleg, Uhlick, Uhler, Ullick, Ullrich, Ullery, and Uhle.

In Germany, many variants of Uhlig are primarily found in the Franconia regions of Bavaria and in Silesia. The variants are Uhlick in Moravia, Ullig in Silesia, Ullery in Baden, and Ullrich in both Bohemia and Prussia.

The surname Uhl is also related to Uhlig, which is found in the north of Germany near the border of the Czech Republic. This variant of the name is primarily found in the provinces of Saxony and Brandenburg.

The ancient spelling of the name was also Ulig, a variant that was found in Prussia and in Bavaria.

In the United States, the Uhlig name is associated mainly with Pennsylvania and Illinois. The variants found in the US are Ullig, Uhlick, Uhl and Ullery.

In the Czech Republic, many variants of the Uhlig name are also found, including Uhlick, Uhl, Uhlich and Uhlík.

Additionally, the surnames Gühlig, Gühler, Uhlendahl, Uhlemann, Uhlmann, Uhlmeister, Uhlendorff, Uhlhorn, Ullman, Ullmann, Ullemeyer, Ullrich, Ullerich, Wuehlig, and Wyhl are all derivations of the original Uhlig surname.

Famous people with the name Uhlig

• Kelly Uhlig: Kelly is the Founding Director of the Centre for Development and Outcomes Measurement (CDOM), a non-profit that works to foster innovation and inform policy decision-making in healthcare setting.
• Franz Uhlig: Franz Uhlig is a German composer and professor of music in the polyphonic singing style.
• Gunther Uhlig: Gunther Uhlig is a German motor yacht skipper and sailing coach, as well as a respectable sailor in international Olympic-level competitions.
• Karl Uhlig: Karl Uhlig is a German laboratory professional in the areas of physics, materials technology and aerospace engineering.
• Irma Uhlig: Irma Uhlig is a German fashion designer whose bespoke hand-made creations have been featured in various galleries and exhibition halls from Berlin to Switzerland.
• Richard Uhlig: Richard Uhlig is an American legal scholar, consultant, columnist, and lecturer, specializing in maritime law, international taxation and international public investment.
• Peter Uhlig: Peter Uhlig is a German physical chemist and professor at the University of Regensburg.
• Michael Uhlig: Michael Uhlig is a German soccer player and former youth international player.
• Rudolf Uhlig: Rudolf Uhlig was a German geographer, geophysicist and oceanographer.
• Felix Uhlig: Felix Uhlig is a German football player who currently plays for the German 7th division club VfB Eppingen.

Other surnames

UhliUhlichUhlikUhlir

Comments or additions to the name "Uhlig"

19.01.2024
Michael Forrest Nicholas Allan Uhlig