Surname Rothard - Meaning and Origin
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Rothard: What does the surname Rothard mean?
The surname Rothard is of German origin, and is believed to have begun appearing near the Rhineland area in the 13th century. It is derived from the German word "roth", meaning "red", and the element "hard", which means "brave, hardy, or strong". The resulting meaning of the surname Rothard is "strong-hearted or courageous".
Rothards were often used to denote a person’s physical strength and bravery. During the Middle Ages, warfare was a common part of life, and those with this surname were often warriors. This occupation offered protection, status, and some degree of wealth. As one of the earlier founding surnames, Rothard can be identified and traced through numerous documents, such as parish records, census returns, taxation records, and consulting historical records.
Today, numerous people living in different parts of the world have the Rothard surname. Many of them still have a strong connection to their original homeland of Germany and other parts of Europe. Some of the locations that have strong levels of Rothard ancestry include France, Belgium, Austria, and Spain. It is notable that there are far fewer Rothards in North America, though some have settled there as well.
The Rothard surname continues to be a proud part of many families, carrying with it a long and proud history. Generations of Rothards have been responsible for great accomplishments that have aided in shaping countries around the world. The early courage and strength of the Rothards is something that will be remembered by this surname for years to come.
Order DNA origin analysisRothard: Where does the name Rothard come from?
The last name Rothard is most commonly seen in the area around Alsace in France today. This is because it is believed to be a nick-name for a roturier, a member of the lower Nobility in the region. The name likely arose in the late Middle Ages and was a result of the need to distinguish between different families of lower nobility.
The Rothards are said to have descended from swearers of fealty to the Hohenstaufen Emperors. The family likely took the name from the old German word for spider – rat. This was then translated to Rothard in the local language, creating the family name.
It is uncertain as to the exact origins of the Rothard family, but it is likely that their method of naming likely made them stand out and be remembered by future generations. Thus, the name Rothard has persisted in Alsace and the surrounding area, with many families still bearing the name to this day. Some have spread outside of Alsace and can now be found elsewhere in France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, and even the United States.
Variations of the surname Rothard
Rothard is anOriginating German surname derived from the Proto-Germanic root "Rad" meaning "counsel and advice". Variants of the Rothard surname include Rotherod, Rothord, Rothhardt, Rotherdt, Rothardt, Roterdt and Rotherd.
The Rothard surname can also be spelled in several ways, such as "Roderow", "Roterd," "Röthar," "Röthart," "Röthard," "Roerdt," "Rother," and "Rotherd." It is also commonly found as a prefix to other surnames, such as "Rothers," "Rotharz," "Rotherhaus," and "Rotherham."
Rotherod is the most common variant of Rothard, and is derived from the compounds of two German words "rod" and "herod," which mean "clever person and ruler" respectively. This suggests that the earliest bearers of the surname were likely to have been leaders or rulers.
Rothardt is another variant, which is derived from the Old German words "rod" and "hardt," meaning "generous and devoted." This suggests that early Rothardt families were likely to have been generous and devoted in their lives.
The variant Rothard is derived from the Middle High German "roter," which means "wise." This implies that earliest Rothard families were likely to have been wise in their decisions.
Rotherd is derived from two Old German words, "rother," which means "wise man" and "hard," which means "brave." This suggests that early Rotherd families were likely to have been wise and courageous.
Röthar is derived from the Old German words "rōt" and "har," which mean "counsel" and "bear," respectively. This implies that earliest Röthar families were likely to have been strong-willed and wise in their counsel.
In addition to the variants of Rothard, there are also several related surnames of this same origin, including Rothe, Rother, Rothweiler, Rothwein, Rothhausen, Rothberg, Rothermel, Rothenberg, Rothhammer, Rothschiller, and Rothmann. These surnames all suggest a relationship to the original Rothard family and likely derive from the same Proto-Germanic root.
Famous people with the name Rothard
- Reiner Rothard: Reiner Rothard is a Swiss actor, director, and author best known for his feature films, documentaries, and stage plays.
- Etienne Rothard: Etienne Rothard is an actor from Switzerland, best known for his starring roles in TV series like “Pierre et Jules" and "La Croix de Fer".
- Evelyne Rothard: Evelyne Rothard is a French contemporary artist, specializing in paintings, sculptures, and installations.
- Benjamin Rothard: Benjamin Rothard is a German film director and producer, best known for his feature films, documentaries, and short films.
- Steve Rothard: Steve Rothard is an American actor, writer, and director famously known for his role in the classic ‘90s TV series "Square One Television".
- David Rothard: David Rothard is an award-winning director, editor, and visual effects artist, with notable works in feature films and music videos.
- Paul Rothard: Paul Rothard is a Swiss contemporary artist and sculptor, known for his use of found objects and discarded materials to create new sculptures and works of art.
- Paul B. Rothard: Paul B. Rothard is an American illuminary, best known for his works in stained glass artistry.
- Eva Rothard: Eva Rothard is a German writer and illustrator, best known for her fantasy children's books.
- Udo Rothard: Udo Rothard is a German politician and former Member of Parliament for the Social Democratic Party.