Surname Volzke - Meaning and Origin
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Volzke: What does the surname Volzke mean?
The last name Volzke is of German origin and is derived from the Old High German word ‘waltan’ meaning ‘to rule’. It is believed to have become a surname in the early Middle Ages, when it was used to distinguish families in a specific location. The spelling evolved over time, from the original Volzk to Volzke. The name is not particularly common, but can be found throughout the regions of Germany.
Volzke families are mainly concentrated in the northern and western parts of the country, where the first recorded references to the surname appear. It is likely that individuals with the Volzke name originally occupied noble positions of power and influence in their communities, providing further insight into the meaning of the name.
In modern times, the Volzke name is still highly respected in Germany. It is seen as a mark of honor and pride, and is even seen an indication of good character. Individuals with this surname are often viewed as strong and independent individuals with a sense of responsibility and a drive for success.
Order DNA origin analysisVolzke: Where does the name Volzke come from?
The last name Volzke is most commonly found in Germany. According to publicly available census data, the name is most prevalent in the eastern German state of Brandenburg, where it is the 33rd most common surname. It is also found scattered throughout Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Outside of Germany, the Volzke name is scattered throughout central Europe with some lesser concentrations in Poland, Denmark and the Netherlands.
In the United States, the last name is particularly common in Pennsylvania, where there are approximately 1,500 Americans who share the Volzke name. It is also found throughout the Midwest in states such as Iowa, Illinois and Indiana, with smaller numbers in other parts of the country. The surname is more rare in Canada, which has only a few hundred individuals with that name.
Since the turn of the century, the Volzke name has experienced a steady decline in Germany. Along with other last names of Germanic origin, Volzke seems to be losing power in favor of more classic names such as Weber and Reinhardt.
Variations of the surname Volzke
The surname Volzke can be spelled in multiple different ways. Common variants of the name include Folzke, Volke, and Volck. All of these names share a common Germanic origin and are derived from the personal name “Walzke.” Additionally, the name is sometimes spelled Velzke.
Other surnames with the same origin as Volzke include Volckmann, Volkmann, Volk, and Folck. The surnames Wolf and Wolz are also related to Volzke, as well as Wolske, Wole and Wolke. All of these surnames are thought to be derived from the Germanic personal name “Wolfi,” meaning “wolf.”
Names stemming from the Germanic “vultz,” meaning “wolf” also have similar origins as Volzke. These surnames include the spellings Volz, Valz, Valtz, Valtz, Folz, Falz, and Faeltz.
Finally, Volzke may also be found in the form of Voltske, Foldscheer, Froetsch, and Feldsher. These names originate from the Germanic “voltscheer,” meaning “field warrior.”
In conclusion, the surname Volzke has many different variations, spellings, and related surnames stemming from its Germanic roots. In addition to Volzke, variants and other related names include Folzke, Volke, Volck, Volckmann, Volkmann, Volk, Wolf, Wolz, Wolske, Wole, Wolke, Volz, Valz, Valtz, Valtz, Folz, Falz, Faeltz, Voltske, Foldscheer, Froetsch, and Feldsher.
Famous people with the name Volzke
- Carol Volzke-Burden: American author and dog trainer
- Kurt Volzke: German historian and archivist
- August Volzke: German photographer
- John Volzke: American World War II Cruiser captain
- Gideon Volzke: South African educational technologist
- Arthur Volzke: German illustrator and painter
- Michael Volzke: American college basketball coach
- Ella Plang Volzke: German opera singer
- Erich Volzke: German opera director and conductor
- Wilhelm Volzke: German military historian and geologist