Surname von Wendorff - Meaning and Origin
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von Wendorff: What does the surname von Wendorff mean?
The surname von Wendorff is of German origin and denotes nobility. The name translates to “from Wendorf”, which refers to a place name in the German region of Saxony. This place name is derived from the Old German words ‘wend’ meaning ‘ask, look for, crave’, and ‘dorp’ meaning ‘village or settlement’. Thus, persons with the surname von Wendorff are those originally from the village of Wendorf.
The surname von Wendorff was likely adopted by members of the upper classes in the Middle Ages and was used to denote their higher status. As part of the German nobility, family members of the von Wendorff surname would have been related to a noble family, and their family crest would likely include an eagle.
Today, there are still members of the von Wendorff name scattered across parts of Europe, mostly in Germany, Scandinavia, and Poland. Additionally, some members of this family migrated to the United States, where the name has been anglicized to “Wendroff”.
In summary, the surname von Wendorff is connected to the German upper classes, with its literal meaning indicating its origin from the village of Wendorf in the German region of Saxony. The name has since spread to parts of Europe and the United States, where it is now more commonly known as “Wendroff”.
Order DNA origin analysisvon Wendorff: Where does the name von Wendorff come from?
The von Wendorff surname is common in Germany today, particularly in the eastern parts of the country. Sindelfingen, located just 35 kilometers south of the lively city of Stuttgart, is known to have one of the highest concentrations of people with the last name. Moreover, von Wendorff families can also be found in the regional capital of Baden-Württemberg and other nearby towns, such as Balzheim and Grafenhausen.
Generally, the von Wendorffs are considered to be German nobility and are members of a notable family. They descend from a lineage of commanders, bishops, and merchants that dates back to the 12th century. The family name first emerged during the reign of the Margrave of Annweiler, one of the paramont rulers of the former electorate of the Palatinate.
Meanwhile, the von Wendorffs have a long history of service to the state. One of the more famous von Wendorffs was Johann Wendishume von Wendorff, a noted Prussian general who served Frederick II ‘The Great’ of Prussia.
Today, the von Wendorffs remain largely concentrated in Germany and the surrounding countries. Though some members of the extended family have spread to other European countries, North America, and even Australia, a substantial portion of the family can still be found in the once powerful German march of the Palatinate.
Variations of the surname von Wendorff
Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname von Wendorff can include the following:
Von Wendorf – This is the traditional German spelling of the surname and would have been used by the original family members who lived in Germany.
Von Wendroff – This variant spelling of the surname allows for an easier pronunciation for English-speaking individuals, as it eliminates the letter “e” from the middle.
Venderoff – This spelling variant is often used in America as an easier spelling for the traditional German von Wendorff.
Wendrof – This variant drops the “von” from the original form of the surname.
Wendorff – This is the most simplified version of the original, von Wendorff. By dropping the “von” and replacing the “e” with a double “f”, it eliminates the extra syllable and simplifies the spelling for an easier pronunciation.
Wendruff – This is another variant of the original surname von Wendorff that is used in some cases.
Wendroff – This is a variant spelling that is common in German-American families as it is an easier spelling for those in the United States.
Werdorf – This spelling variant is also seen in German-American families in the United States, as it is an easier spelling for those who are not familiar with the traditional German von Wendorff.
Wenderoff – This variant is the most common spelling used in America for the von Wendorff surname.
Van Wendorf – This variant can also be seen in some cases and is a common Dutch spelling of the original name.
Van Wendt – This is a variant used by Dutch families who have adopted the surname.
Voir Wendorf – This variant is used by French-speaking members of the family, as it is the French interpretation of the von Wendorff name.
Wendt – This is a variant used by Dutch members of the family, as it is the Dutch translation of the original von Wendorff surname.
Wendl – This is another Dutch variant of the original surname von Wendorff, as its pronunciation becomes easier for Dutch-speaking individuals.
Wendel – This variant is also used by Dutch members of the family, as it is an even easier spelling and pronunciation for the original name.
Famous people with the name von Wendorff
- Carl Ferdinand von Wendorff (1835–1922): a German sculptor and medalist.
- Jakob Philipp Wendorff (1775–1850): a German Protestant theologian and traveler.
- Johann Augustin von Wendorff (1745–1817): a German diplomat and author.
- Carl August von Wendorff (1748–1838): a German diplomat and translator.
- Adolph Karl von Wendorff (1805–1880): a German naturalist and traveler.
- Theodor von Wendorff (1795–1871): a Prussian aristocrat and diplomat.
- Philippine von Wendorff: a German author and translator.
- David von Wendorff (1841-1900): a German doctor and army officer.
- Friedrich Carl Ferdinand von Wendorff (1745–1829): a Prussian court official and diplomat.
- Wilhelm von Wendorff (died 1890): a Prussian colonel and military historian.