Surname Rotharmel - Meaning and Origin
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Rotharmel: What does the surname Rotharmel mean?
The surname Rotharmel is of German origin but its exact meaning is not clearly defined or recognized in common German language or traditional surname databases. It possibly falls under the category of surnames derived from occupations, personal characteristics, or geographical locations. Sometimes, surnames are also linked to certain historical events or stories connected to the family lineage. Like many other surnames, Rotharmel may have undergone changes in spelling and pronunciation over centuries, which makes it harder to determine its original meaning. It is found among individuals and families in several countries, including the United States and Germany, indicating a spread of the family lineage over time. As with all surnames, understanding its exact meaning may need a comprehensive genealogical investigation tracing back to the earliest known bearers of the surname. Nevertheless, the surname is unique and bears the rich heritage and history of the individuals who possess it.
Order DNA origin analysisRotharmel: Where does the name Rotharmel come from?
The last name Rotharmel is most commonly found in countries of German heritage, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It has also been found in France, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, England, Northern Ireland, and the United States.
The name "Rotharmel" has likely been around since the 11th or 12th century. It is thought that it originated from a place-name, such as one of the many places in Germany called "Rath" or "Röthen". Another possible origin is from the Old High German word "armel," meaning "valley," or "hollow." These two components were added together to create the surname Rotharmel.
Rotharmel is still a relatively common name in Europe today. In Germany, more than 1,000 people bear the name. In Switzerland, the name is found in the cantons of Basel-Country, Alsace, and Ticino. In Austria, there are more than 500 occurrences of the name, concentrated mainly in the provinces of Upper and Lower Austria.
In the United States, the name is much rarer. As of 2020, around 11,000 people in the United States have the surname Rotharmel. The largest population of Rotharmels is concentrated in the states of Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Overall, it can be said that the last name Rotharmel is most widely found in German-speaking countries, but it does have a presence in other countries around the world, such as the United States.
Variations of the surname Rotharmel
The surname Rotharmel has many variants, spellings, and surnames with the same origin. Some of these are O'Rotharmel, Rothermel, Rotheramul, Rotharmell, Rotharmaul, Rothermire, and Rotherhamel.
The surname Rotharmel has roots in the Basque language of Northern Spain, as the suffix “armel” means “son of” in Basque. Similarly, “roth” translates to “red” in Basque, leading to the widely accepted meaning of “son of a red man”.
This surname is not limited to Northern Spain, however. In Ireland, the surname Rothermel or Rotherhamel are thought to be derived from the Gaelic personal name Roichéal. As well, the Welsh variant “Rothermire” is thought to be a variation of an old Welsh name “Rhys Mier”, meaning “son of Rhys”. Additionally, in Scotland, there is a “Mac Rothamail” clan, which this surname may have derived from.
In the United States and Canada, there are many spellings of this surname that are likely to arise from immigrants changing their surnames to fit in more easily with their new culture. The most common spelling for this surname today in the United States and Canada is “Rotharmel”.
Regardless of the origin or spelling of the surname, thousands of people around the world share the same origin, and descendants of “Rotharmel” can be found in many regions around the world.
Famous people with the name Rotharmel
- Rachel Rotharmel: Rachel Rotharmel is a multidisciplinary artist who creates haunting, contemplative explorations of time and memory. She uses traditional media, interactive installations, and large-scale projections to explore psychological and emotional spaces.
- Lizzy Rotharmel: Lizzy Rotharmel is a professional figure skater. She is a three-time US National Champion, a two-time Grand Prix Medalist, and a two-time Four Continents Champion.
- Noah Rotharmel: Noah Rotharmel is an American voice actor and director. He is best known for his voiceover work in popular animated series including My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic and Adventure Time.
- Steven Rotharmel: Steven Rotharmel is an American chemist and professor at New Jersey Institute of Technology. He is an expert in lithium-ion batteries and has created batteries that have achieved world-record energy density.
- David Rotharmel: David Rotharmel is a music composer and musician. He has composed music for commercials, films, and video games. He is best known for creating the music for the popular game franchise Guitar Hero.
- Chris Rotharmel: Chris Rotharmel is an American retired soccer player. He played professionally in the MLS for the New England Revolution and DC United, and was a member of the US National Team.