Surname Adolphy - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'A'
Adolphy: What does the surname Adolphy mean?
The last name Adolphy is derived from two Germanic words, adal, meaning “nobility” and hol, meaning “valley”. Together, the two words form the compound name Adolphy, a surname which conveys the idea of nobility living in a valley.
The Adolphy name likely began to be used in Europe during the Middle Ages, when it was popular for structures such as castles, monasteries, and villages to be built in low-lying areas such as valleys. Noble families often occupied the best-placed land, so the Adolphy name likely came to signify nobility living in these areas.
Later, the Adolphy surname is believed to have been borne by some emigrants who left Europe for North America in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Adolphy surname is especially associated with the first German settlers of Pennsylvania, who not only provided a source of farming labor, but were also craftsmen who added industry and commerce to the area.
Today, the Adolphy surname may be most commonly found in the United States, but is likely still in use in several European countries. While the use of the name Adolphy is uncommon overall, it is a symbol of ancestry and local history, and still conveys the idea of nobility living in a valley.
Order DNA origin analysisAdolphy: Where does the name Adolphy come from?
Today, the last name Adolphy is commonly found in parts of the United States, Canada, and Europe. In the United States, the last name Adolphy can be found in many states, especially in urban areas. Specifically, the states with the most Adolphys are California, Massachusetts, New York, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Similarly, in Canada, the last name Adolphy can mostly be found in provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.
Finally, the last name Adolphy can be found in many countries throughout Europe. These countries include the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Austria, Italy, Norway, and Sweden. In general, the last name Adolphy is most common in countries where Germanic languages are spoken, such as countries in the Germanic-speaking regions of Europe.
Overall, the last name Adolphy is a relatively common surname that is mainly found in the United States, Canada, and Europe. It is especially common among those of German or Germanic origin, but can also be found among people of other ethnicities.
Variations of the surname Adolphy
The surname Adolphy has a variety of alternate spellings, variations, and surnames of similar origin. One variant spelling of Adolphy is Adolph, and Adolphus is a common patronymic form. Variants include Adolf, Adulphphe, and Adolffa. Many of these variant spellings originate from the Germanic personal name "Adolph" or "Adelwolf", meaning "noble wolf".
Surnames of similar origin that are related to Adolphy include Adolphin, Adolphson, and Aduman. Australian and New Zealand variants include Adolp, Adolph, Adolphine, Adolphsen, Adolphe, Adolphus, and Adolfs. In the United States, some variants are Adolphs, Adolis, and Aadelfleet.
The surnames Adolpho, Adolphi, Adolfo, Aldolfe, and Adowlfo are associated with the Italian form of the name. Other Italian surnames include Adelfio and Adelfi. French surnames associated with the spelling are Adolphe, Adolphes, and Adolpheas.
The Polish form of the name Adolph is Adolf. Other variants used in Poland are Adopf, Adolphsen, Adolphus, Adolfo, Aldolfe, Adoeff, and Adoeffo. In the Netherlands, the surname Adolf is used. Alternate spellings are Adolpho and Adowlfo. Other Dutch variants are Adolfsen, Adolphus, and Adolphsz.
In Portugal and Hispanophone countries, the surname Adolph is used. Other spellings are Adolpt, Adulpho, and Adolp. Spanish variants include Adolp, Adolphsen, and Adolphus. Alternate spellings are Adoflos, Adolfos, and Adolpho.
Finally, Scandinavian surnames associated with the surname Adolphy include Adolf, Adolphson, and Adolphsen. Alternate spellings are Adolpt and Adolp.
Famous people with the name Adolphy
- John Adolphus (1768–1845), British lawyer and historian
- Julius Adolphus (1906–1955), African-American actor, playwright, comedian, and songwriter
- Frederick Adolphus (1854–1917), Canadian surgeon and medical educator
- Joseph Adolphus (1790–1862), English naturalist and botanist
- Ludwig Adolfus (1773–1843), German surgeon
- George Adolphus (1799-1853), British Royal Navy admiral
- Louis Adolphus (1841–1919), Canadian businessperson
- Edward Adolphus (1868–1946), English sculptor
- Frederick Adolphus (1857–1942), British historian
- Charles Adolphus (1730–1803), German classical scholar and librarian