Surname Uhly - Meaning and Origin
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Uhly: What does the surname Uhly mean?
The last name Uhly is an old Germanic surname of uncertain origin. It likely derives from a combination of two sources: the first part, 'uhl', likely originated from the Middle Low German word "ulich," which was used to describe 'humble' or 'modest'. The suffix "y" or "ey" is a patronymic ending that was used often by early Germanic people, meaning "son of". Thus, the name was likely originally given to signify a "modest son".
The surname of Uhly first appeared in documented histories in the Middle Ages. In the 14th century, a record of the Alsace region listed a person named "Ulrichahly". This was likely the first recorded use of the name, and suggests that the surname originated and was popularized in this region of Germany.
The Uhly surname has been found in various countries over the centuries, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands. Today, it is relatively uncommon across the world, though some may still find it in German-speaking areas.
Regardless of its exact origin, the surname Uhly is a meaningful one, likely to have originated from its associations with humility and modesty. It has been carried over centuries in many places and is a reminder of the courage and strength of our early Germanic ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisUhly: Where does the name Uhly come from?
The last name Uhly has origins in Austria, Germany, and Poland. It is also seen in the United States, Canada, and Australia; however, its prevalence isn't as commonly seen overseas.
In the US, Uhly is most commonly found in Texas, with a population of just over 800 people. Other states where Uhly can be found include New York, California, and Florida.
Although its prevalence in the US is somewhat limited, it is still classified as a fairly common name. Nationally, data compiled by the US Census Bureau reveals that the last name “Uhly” has approximately 3,700 occurrences in the US.
Within the United Kingdom, the last name “Uhly” is most commonly found in Scotland, specifically in Glasgow and the surrounding areas. Data retrieved from electoral rolls show that approximately 200 individuals in the UK have the last name Uhly.
Outside of the UK, the last name Uhly is seen in countries such as Germany, Austria, and Poland, as well as in various other countries around the world. Data collected from the European Union shows that approximately 8,000 individuals in the European continent have the last name Uhly.
Overall, the last name Uhly is a fairly common name that can be found all around the world. It is most commonly seen in the United States, Scotland, Germany, Austria, and Poland, although it can also be found in various other countries.
Variations of the surname Uhly
The surname Uhly is derived from the German given name "Uhl". It is also spelled as Uhl, Uehl, Uhlich, Uehlich, Uhlmann, Uhlmer, Uhlmeyer, Uehlmeyer, Oehlmeyer, Uhlmeir, Uhlmayr, and Uhlmayer.
In the earliest records, Uhly was usually seen written with a double “l” before being simplified to a single letter “l” in the late Middle Ages. The spelling remained the same until the 19th century when a phonetic spelling Uhl appears. In the late 18th century, spelling variations began to creep into the name, with Uhlmann, Uhlmer, and Uhlmeyer but the spelling of Uhly remained and has come down to the modern day.
Based on records, the surname Uhly is mostly found in the Austrian states of Oberoesterreich and Niederoesterreich. It is a very rare surname but there are some families with this surname that are related all throughout Germany, Austria, and the United States.
The German i-u sound is usually recorded as a y in English and the last syllable of the name Uhly is often shortened to a “y” instead of a “ly”. Therefore, some family members might have the surname Uhy, Ully, or Ylly.
The ethnicity of most Uhly families is usually German but some of them might be of Polish or Jewish origin due to the long cultural history of mixing between German and Jewish families.
In the United States, this surname can be found in the states of Pennsylvania and New York. The German emigration to the United States mainly occurred during the 1800s, so if there is an Uhy family in America, they most likely came from Germany, Austria, or Poland. They might have adopted an Americanized spelling of the surname while settling in the United States.
Famous people with the name Uhly
- Günter Uhly: Günter Uhly is an Austrian-German film director, best known for his 1989 film, Summer Guests.
- Robert J. Uhly: Robert J. Uhly is a retired United States Army general who served as the commander of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command.
- Felix Uhly: Felix Uhly is an Austrian professional ice hockey player currently playing for HC Innsbruck of the Inter-National League.
- Joe Uhly: Joe Uhly is an American film and television composer. He has worked on projects such as 24, Desperate Housewives, Scorpion, and Heroes.
- Emile Uhly: Emile Uhly was an Austrian-American physical chemist, best known for his work in the 1950s on the structure of proteins.
- Stefan Uhly: Stefan Uhly is a German film director and writer. He has received multiple awards for his work, including the Undine Award for Best German Film and the Golden Leopard Award.
- Dieter Uhly: Dieter Uhly is a German physicist and professor at the University of Würzburg. He is known for his research on the physics of semiconductors.
- Donald T. Uhly: Donald T. Uhly is an American lawyer and former acting associate director of the FBI.
- Alexander Uhly: Alexander Uhly is an Austrian professional football player currently playing for WSG Swarovski Tirol of the Austrian Football Second League.
- Mamie Uhly: Mamie Uhly was an American movie actress active during the silent era. She starred in films such as The Scarlet Sin (1919) and A Night Out (1920).