Ludolf

Origin: English, possibly Germanic
Pronunciation: /ˈluːdɒlf/

Introduction:
Ludolf is a British surname with possible roots in Germanic origins. The name is not as prevalent as some other British surnames but holds historical significance.

Etymology:
The surname Ludolf is believed to have originated from the Old High German name 'Liutwulf', which was a combination of 'liut', meaning "people," and 'wulf', meaning "wolf". Over time, this name evolved into Ludolf, possibly through various linguistic influences.

Distribution and Frequency:
The surname Ludolf is relatively rare in the British Isles compared to more common surnames. It is not frequently encountered in contemporary records, indicating its limited distribution.

Historical Significance:
While there may not be notable public figures associated with the surname Ludolf in modern times, historical records suggest that the name may have been more common in previous centuries. Individuals bearing this surname may have played roles in various local communities or occupations.

Variants:
Variants of the Ludolf surname may include different spellings or anglicised versions. These variations could be due to regional dialects, historical migration patterns, or personal preferences.

References:

  1. Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1991). A Dictionary of English Surnames (3rd ed.). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
  2. Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

Note:
The information provided here is intended as a general overview of the Ludolf surname and may vary based on individual family histories and genealogical research.

There are approximately 24 people named Ludolf in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Fewer than one in a million people in Britain are named Ludolf.

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.