Summary

The surname Wolff has German origins and is derived from the Old High German word 'wolf', meaning wolf. Wolves were seen as strong and noble creatures, and the name likely originated as a nickname for someone who displayed similar qualities. The surname has a long history and has spread throughout the world.
There are
21815
Wolffs in the USA
Wolff is the
1650th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Wolff

ChristianeNüsslein-Volhard

Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard is a German biologist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1995 for discovering key genetic controls of embryonic development. She is known for her groundbreaking research using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster.

ErichWolff

Erich Wolff was a German-born American writer and journalist. He became known for his anti-Nazi writings during World War II and afterwards, and for his efforts to campaign against racial prejudice and promote social justice.

EduardWolff

Eduard Wolff was a German statistician and economist. He made significant contributions to statistical theory and methodology, particularly in the field of income distribution and poverty research.

HugoWolff

Hugo Wolff was a German composer and conductor. He is best known for his lieder, songs written for solo voice and piano. His music is characterized by its emotional depth and rich harmonic language.

KarlWolff

Karl Wolff was a high-ranking German SS officer and a close associate of Adolf Hitler. He played a key role in the Holocaust and was involved in war crimes and atrocities committed by the Nazi regime.

RobertWolff

Robert Wolff is an anthropologist and author. He is known for his research on traditional societies and his work on the island of Sumba in Indonesia. He has written several books on anthropology and cultural studies.

MaxWolff

Max Wolff is an American economist and financial analyst. He is known for his expertise in global macroeconomic trends and his analysis of financial markets, particularly regarding the automotive industry.

NinaWolff

Nina Wolff is a Dutch field hockey player. She has represented the Netherlands in numerous international competitions and has won multiple medals, including Olympic gold and World Cup titles.

RickyWolff

Ricky Wolff is a British artist known for his surrealist paintings. His works often depict dreamlike landscapes and fantastical creatures, combining elements of fantasy, symbolism, and abstraction.

SophieWolff

Sophie Wolff is a Swedish fashion designer. She has her own clothing label and is known for her minimalist and avant-garde designs, which often feature clean lines, unusual silhouettes, and innovative use of materials.

Wolff Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Wolff' is of German and Jewish origin. It is derived from the German word 'Wolf,' meaning 'wolf.' The name may have originally been a nickname or a descriptive surname referring to a person with wolf-like characteristics or behavior.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Wolff' is found predominantly in Germany, the Netherlands, and Israel, reflecting its German and Jewish roots. It is also present in other countries with significant German or Jewish populations.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Wolff' include 'Wolf,' 'Wolfe,' 'Wolffson,' 'Wolfson,' 'Wolfs,' 'Wolffs,' 'Wolfman,' 'Wolfmann,' 'Wolfberg,' and 'Wolfberg.' These variations may reflect different spelling conventions or regional dialects.
Migration and ImmigrationThe surname 'Wolff' has been carried by individuals who migrated or immigrated to various countries throughout history. This includes Jewish individuals who emigrated from Germany and Eastern Europe due to persecution and discrimination, as well as German immigrants who relocated to other countries for economic or personal reasons.