Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Walpurgis

      Origin

      Germanic

      Meaning

      Derived from Saint Walpurgas Name

      Variations

      Calpurnia, Walburga, Waluigi
      The name Walpurgis has its roots in the Germanic tradition, specifically derived from the name of Saint Walpurga, a Christian abbess and missionary. The elements of the name reflect its sacred origins, with Wal- potentially linked to the Old German word for to rule or to choose, and -purga deriving from purge, symbolizing purification. Thus, the name connotes a sense of strength and sanctity often associated with its ecclesiastical connection.

      Saint Walpurga, the name's eponym, is celebrated for her missionary work in the 8th century, particularly in what is now Germany. She was canonized in the 9th century and is revered for her role in spreading Christianity and combating pagan practices. The festival of Walpurgis Night, celebrated on April 30th, marks the eve of Saint Walpurga's feast day, often characterized by festivities and folk customs that blend both Christian and pre-Christian traditions. This night is steeped in historical significance, often associated with the arrival of spring and the warding off of evil spirits.

      In contemporary times, Walpurgis is commonly referenced in cultural contexts, particularly during the celebration of Walpurgis Night, which is observed in various regions of Europe, especially in Germany, Sweden, and Finland. The name has also made its way into literature and popular culture, often evoking themes of witchcraft and the supernatural, due to its association with folklore and the traditional bonfires that accompany the celebrations. Furthermore, Walpurgis finds its place in modern media and artistic representations, highlighting its enduring legacy beyond its historical roots.

      Based on our records...

      Nn

      Nn

      This is the most common surname associated with Walpurgis.
      Hans

      Hans

      This is the most common name of those married to a Walpurgis.
      Catharina

      Catharina

      This is the most common name for a child of a Walpurgis.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1625 is when there were the most people born with the first name Walpurgis.

      Explore the origins of another name.