Wulfen

Wulfen is a German-language name that functions both as a toponym and a surname. As a place name it appears in several German-speaking regions, often referring to historical settlements or districts. The element is generally connected to the word for wolf, reflecting old place-naming practices that linked sites to wildlife or protection.

Franz Xaver von Wulfen (1728–1805) is the most historically notable bearer of the name. An Austrian botanist and naturalist, he conducted field work across Habsburg territories and the Alpine region, collecting and describing numerous plant and animal species. His explorations contributed to early modern natural history, and several taxa were named in his honor. In botany, the genus Wulfenia was named after him, and one notable species is Wulfenia carinthiaca, a member of the Campanulaceae family.

In addition to the surname, Wulfen appears as the name of localities within Germany. Examples include districts or villages that retain the historical toponym, typically found in North Rhine-Westphalia and other German regions. These place names reflect historical linguistic roots rather than any single current administrative center.

In summary, Wulfen denotes a German-origin name used for multiple places and as a family name, with cultural and scientific significance tied to Franz Xaver von Wulfen and the plant genus Wulfenia named in his honor.