Wolfe

Origin: The surname Wolfe is of Old French origin, derived from the personal name "Wulf" which means wolf. The name was introduced into England after the Norman Conquest of 1066.

History: The Wolfe surname has been recorded in various forms throughout English history, including Wulf, Wolf, and Wolfe. It was often associated with qualities such as bravery and fierceness, reflecting the symbolic importance of the wolf in British culture.

Notable People: The Wolfe surname has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history, including:

  • General James Wolfe: A British Army officer known for his role in the capture of Quebec in 1759 during the French and Indian War.
  • Humbert Wolfe: A British poet and civil servant known for his works in the early 20th century.
  • Naomi Wolf: A contemporary feminist author known for her influential works on gender and sexuality.

Variants: Variants of the Wolfe surname include Wolf, Wulf, Woulfe, and Woolf.

Coat of Arms: The Wolfe family coat of arms typically features symbols such as a wolf's head or a wolf rampant, symbolising strength and loyalty.

Current Distribution: The Wolfe surname remains relatively common in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries, with concentrations in regions with historical ties to the Norman conquest.

Legacy: The Wolfe surname continues to be associated with qualities such as strength, courage, and cunning, reflecting the enduring influence of the wolf symbol in British history and culture.

There are approximately 3,330 people named Wolfe in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,735th most common surname in Britain. Around 51 in a million people in Britain are named Wolfe.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Thomas

Female

  • Alison
  • Carol
  • Claire
  • Helen
  • Joan
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Rosalind
  • Sarah
  • Stephanie
  • Susan
  • Victoria

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.