Surname Rolefs - Meaning and Origin
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Rolefs: What does the surname Rolefs mean?
Rolefs is a German surname derived from the old Germanic personal name "Hrodolf" meaning "famous wolf." The surname was likely used to designate someone who was admired or respected in some way, and it is most commonly associated with people who hail from northern Germany and parts of Scandinavia. It is believed that the name dates back to the medieval era, and records show that it has been used since at least the 1400s.
In modern times, the name Rolefs is used by families all over the world, from Germany to the Americas. It has become an increasingly popular choice in Scandinavia, where the sound of the name is similar to the local language.
In the United States, the name Rolefs is most commonly associated with the Dutch-American community, particularly in the Midwest. The name has been in the country since the 19th century and has gained popularity, with numerous families adopting the name and carrying it down through the generations.
In conclusion, the last name Rolefs is a very old and respected surname of German descent. It has origins dating back to the Middle Ages, and has been adopted all over the world, particularly by families in the US Midwest with Dutch ancestry. Its original meaning of "famous wolf" is often seen as symbolic of strength and courage.
Order DNA origin analysisRolefs: Where does the name Rolefs come from?
Rolefs is a surname of Germanic origins. It can be found predominantly in Germany spreading south into the Alpine regions. It is also found in Denmark, Luxembourg, and The Netherlands.
In Germany there are high concentrations of the surname in the regions of North and Lower Saxony as well as Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg. The same is true for The Netherlands with high occurrences in Friesland, South Holland, and North Holland.
In the United States, Rolefs is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, followed by New York, Delaware, and Ohio. The presence of the surname in America is mostly attributed to German immigrants who made the journey across the Atlantic in the 1800s.
In Austria, the surname is mainly found in the Vorarlberg region and those surrounding it. It is especially plentiful in the city of Bregenz.
As elsewhere in the world, the surname Rolefs can be found in all of its prevalent countries today. As far as the highest numbers are concerned, it is still most prominent in Germany and The Netherlands.
Variations of the surname Rolefs
The surname Rolefs is derived from the old Germanic name Rudolf, which is derived from the words “hroda”, meaning “fame” and “wolf”, meaning “wolf”. It is mainly found to be spelling as Rolefs or Roloff, but there are a handful of other variants and spellings as well.
Variants of Rolefs include Rolfs, Rholfs, Rölfs, Roff, and Roloffs. Rholfs is an Anglo-Saxon spelling and is found mostly in the United Kingdom. It is also commonly found in North America. Rölfs is a Scandinavian spelling found in Sweden, Denmark, and Norwegia. Roff is a Dutch variant, originating from the Netherlands and common in countries such as Netherlands, Germany, and other countries in the region. Roloffs is an uncommon spelling, used mainly in Germany.
There are several other surnames that share the same origin as Rolefs. For instance, the names Rudolph, Rolf, Rolph, Rollo, Rolpho, and even Rodolphus can all be traced back to the same origin.
Many of these names are still in current use in different countries. The Rolefs spelling is common in Germany, Netherlands, and Austria. Rolfs is the main spelling used in Scandinavia, while Rholfs is the accepted spelling for the United Kingdom. Roloffs is still in use in Germany, while other spellings, such as Rolph, are common in the United States.
In conclusion, the surname Rolefs has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants being Rolfs, Rholfs, Rölfs, Roff, and Roloff. Each of these variations are commonly used in different countries, with some still in current use today.
Famous people with the name Rolefs
- Taj Rolefs: An American actress, best known for her roles in shows such as Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice.
- Robert Rolefs: A retired American football player who played for teams such as the San Francisco 49ers and the St. Louis Rams.
- Marike Rolefs: A Dutch opera singer and professional cellist who has performed with some of the biggest opera and symphony orchestras.
- Carli Rolefs: A self-described lifestyle influencer and social media star, known for her beauty, fashion, and travel advice content.
- David Rolefs: An American film producer and executive who has worked on the likes of U-571, The Notebook, and Paranoia.
- Barbara Rolefs: A theatre director, television director, and professor, she has directed for productions such as “The Tempest” and “The 39 Steps.”
- Lars Rolefs: A Swiss-born photographer and navigator who has crossed the globe and documented his journey in pictures.
- Bob Rolefs: An American jazz elaborator and studio producer who has worked with iconic artists such as Miles Davis and Curtis Fuller.
- Cinthia Rolefs: A Brazilian pop singer and former judge on the Brazilian version of The Voice.
- Tatiana Rolefs: A Brazilian actress, best known for her roles on films such as O Quinto Mandamento and Anvisa predestinada.