Rather than being traded items, the swords were most likely exported as loot, ransom, or contraband – prohibitions in the Carolingian capitularia made it illegal to sell to foreigners at the time.

[16] This is supported by the change in geographical distribution noted in the late Viking Age, when much of previously Pagan Europe was Christianized.

None of the Norwegian Ulfberht swords are dated later than the early—middle 11th century, which coincides with the end of Pagan burial rites in the area.

A notable late example found in Eastern Germany, dated to the 11th or possibly early 12th century, represents the only specimen that combines the Vlfberht signature with a Christian "in nomine domini" inscription (+IINIOMINEDMN).

[19] As a given name, Wulfbert (Old High German Wolfbert, Wolfbrecht, Wolfpert, Wolfperht, Vulpert) is recorded from the 8th to 10th centuries.