Find out how popular the last name Wohlford is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Wohlford.

Wohlford, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Wohlford surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Wohlford in America

Wohlford is the 23978th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Wohlford surname appeared 1,052 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Wohlford.

We can also compare 2010 data for Wohlford to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Wohlford

The surname Wohlford is of Germanic origin, deriving from the country of Germany. The name dates back to the early Middle Ages, with the initial roots found in the regions of Bavaria and the Rhineland. The etymology of Wohlford is contested, but it appears to be a compound of the German words "wohl," meaning well or good, and "ford," referring to a shallow place in a river or stream where it can be crossed. This suggests that the original bearers of the name likely lived near a well-known ford or perhaps a place where the conditions were considered favorable or good.

Historical references to the surname Wohlford are relatively sparse, but one of the earliest recorded mentions appears in a 13th-century Bavarian manuscript, where a Johann Wohlford is listed as a landowner in the region. This record, dating to approximately 1273, indicates the name’s long-standing presence in southern Germany. Subsequent mentions in local town records and tax documents further support the idea that the Wohlfords held positions of some significance in their communities.

An alternative spelling of the name, Wohlfahrt, can be found in various German texts from the medieval period, suggesting a phonetic similarity and potential common ancestry between the bearers of these surnames. Another early example of the name can be seen in the 14th century. A Hans Wohlfort was a noted tradesman and guild member in the city of Mainz, active around 1382. His involvement in the local economy and civic affairs implies that the Wohlfords were both industrious and integral to urban growth during this period.

During the 17th century, the name appears more frequently in church registers, such as the case of Matthias Wohlford, born in 1605 in Nuremberg. Matthias is recorded as a master craftsman and member of the local Lutheran congregation. His contributions both to his craft and his community reinforce the idea that the Wohlfords were well-known and respected in their regions.

The surname made its way to the New World in the 18th century, notably through the figure of Heinrich Wohlford, who emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1742. Heinrich's arrival and subsequent integration into colonial American society represent the spread of the surname beyond Europe. Despite the maritime challenges of the time, Heinrich established himself as a farmer and raised a considerable family, ensuring the continuation of the Wohlford lineage in the United States.

Among the notable bearers of the name in more recent history is Dr. Jacob Wohlford, born in 1843 and deceased in 1908. A physician and academic, Dr. Wohlford made significant contributions to medical practices in the Midwest, further cementing the family's influence and legacy in various professional fields.

The Wohlford surname, with its rich Germanic origins and varied historical references, showcases a lineage of individuals who have been integral to their communities over the centuries. From medieval landowners and tradesmen to modern professionals and emigrants, the Wohlford name is imbued with a sense of continuity and resilience that speaks to its enduring legacy.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Wohlford

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Wohlford.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Wohlford was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Wohlford has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Wohlford was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Wohlford, please contact us.

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