Wolfmüller

Wolfmüller is a German surname formed from the elements wolf and Müller (miller). It is most commonly found in German-speaking regions and among descendants of German emigrants. As a family name, Wolfmüller has appeared in various professions and regions over the centuries.

In the history of technology, the name is associated with early motorized transport. The Wolfmüller motorcycle, developed in the 1890s by Heinrich Wolfmüller and produced by a company bearing his name, is often cited as one of the first motorcycles produced in series. The machine marked an early effort to combine an internal combustion engine with a two‑wheeled chassis for repeated manufacture, contributing to the development of motorized personal transport in Europe.

The Wolfmüller project had a relatively short production life, and only a limited number of units were built. Despite its brief commercial run, the machine is recognized by historians as a milestone in the evolution of motorcycles, illustrating the transition from experimental designs to more widely produced motorized vehicles. Surviving examples and replicas are kept in museums and by collectors, where they are studied for their engineering approaches and historical significance.

Beyond the motorcycle, the surname Wolfmüller appears in various biographical contexts across fields such as engineering, academia, and the arts. As with many German surnames, its usage today is diffuse, with no single contemporary figure universally associated with the name.