What is the origin of the name welk?

The name "Welk" is of Dutch or German origin, derived from the Middle Dutch Word "welk," meaning "to become" or "to grow." It may also be a variation of the German surname "Welke," which can refer to a person from a specific place or indicate a characteristic. Additionally, "Welk" is sometimes associated with the term for a type of mollusk, reflecting the influence of local geography or occupation.