Surname Wöbeking - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Wöbeking: What does the surname Wöbeking mean?
The last name Wöbeking is a German surname, typically spelled “Woebeeking” in English. It is derived from the German verb “wöbeln,” which means “to wobble” or “to sway.” This term was likely used to refer to someone who was wobbly or unsteady, or who may have been a fisherman or a boatman. Alternatively, it may have been used to describe someone who was "eager," "enterprising," or "venturesome," given that the same verb can also mean “to strive,” “to bustle about,” or “to roll up sleeves and do a bit of this and that with enthusiasm.”
The Wöbeking name is likely hundreds of years old, and has since spread to other countries, with variants of the name now popping up all across Europe and beyond. Records show that the first known recorded bearer of the name lived in Germany in the late 19th century. Since then, it has become a fairly common name in Germany, with over 5,700 people reported to carry the name.
Today, Wöbeking is a surname that represents someone who may have been a lively and energetic person — or possibly a traveler or a fisherman. Either way, the name has been passed down from generation to generation, telling its story and evolving along with its family.
Order DNA origin analysisWöbeking: Where does the name Wöbeking come from?
The last name Wöbeking is mostly prevalent in Germany. It is most commonly found in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This includes the cities of Cologne, Dortmund, and Essen. It can also be found in smaller towns and villages throughout the region.
According to surname distribution data, Wöbeking is a fairly rare surname, making up only 0.0002% of the population in Germany. It is more common in the east than in the west, and is most popular in Berlin and Brandenburg, where it makes up 0.0009% and 0.0011% of the population, respectively.
Outside of Germany, the surname is found most commonly in the Netherlands, where it makes up 0.0003% of the population. It is relatively rare in other countries such as the United States, Belgium, and Austria, where it makes up less than 0.0001% of the population each.
In the last two decades, Wöbeking has seen an increase in popularity in Germany, possibly due to an increasing number of German citizens relocating to other countries, such as the United States and Canada, leading to a larger population of German-speaking people outside of the country.
In conclusion, the last name Wöbeking is most common in Germany, particularly in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is relatively rare outside of Germany but has seen a slight increase in popularity in recent years.
Variations of the surname Wöbeking
The surname Wöbeking has several variants and spellings and can also take the form of Woebeking, Woebken, Woebke, Woepking, Wepking, Woepken, Wopking, Wopken, Wobben, Wobke, Wöben, Wöbdke and Wöbking.
Wöbeking is a German and Dutch surname that has its origin in Low German. The name comes from the word "Wöb(e)" which means to fold orcroft and the component "-king" which originally meant 'of or belonging to'. This combined meaning of the name implies farmstead or smallholding belonging to a family with the ability to fold or craft.
The surnames Woebeking, Woebken, Woebke, Woepking, Wepking, Woepken, Wopking, Wopken, Wobben, Wobke, Wöben, Wöbdke and Wöbking all have the same origin and share the same unique meaning.
Many variations in spelling of the name can be found in Germany, Holland and other countries in Europe, such as Austria, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
It has been suggested that Wöbeking may have been an occupational name, given to someone who performed carpentry or other crafting work. Other than carpentry, the name may also have been applied to someone who worked in weaving, brewing, cooperage and even beekeeping.
The spelling of surnames with the same origin can differ due to areas of settlement, dialect and a more personal choice. For example, the spelling Wöbeking is typically associated with German settlers whereas Wepking is more commonly seen among Dutch settlers.
The surname Wöbeking has become increasingly popular in the United States, Canada and other countries including Australia and New Zealand.
As a result of emigration to other countries, the surname has also taken other forms, such as Webking and Wabking, that are found mainly in North America.
Famous people with the name Wöbeking
- Thomas Wöbeking: a retired German footballer who played for Eintracht Braunschweig from 2007 to 2012 and then for HFC Haarlem from 2012 to 2017.
- Julius Wöbeking: a musician and composer of classical music, particularly chamber music.
- Franz Wöbeking: German landscape painter and graphic artist from Köln (Cologne).
- Max Wöbeking: German actor who is best known for his role as “Klaus” in the German television series “Verrückt nach Meer”.
- Christoph Wöbeking: a former professional German footballer who played for Rot-Weiß Oberhausen during the 1999-2000 2. Bundesliga season.
- Victor Wöbeking: a retired German rower who competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, US.
- Paul Wöbeking: a former German gymnast, winner of several medals and championships during his career.
- Carsten Wöbeking: a German badminton player who competed for a team in the 2007 World Badminton Championships.
- Michael Wöbeking: a German former ice hockey player who played for several clubs in the German leagues for several years.
- Martin Wöbeking: a German former football striker who played for the Borussia Dortmund II team from 1991 to 1995.