Surname Rothe - Meaning and Origin

Tracing the Cultural and Historical Tapestry of My Rothese Surname through My iGENEA DNA Test

The results from my iGENEA DNA test unfolded a fascinating tapestry of my family history, particularly the socio-cultural nuance and historical underpinnings of my surname, Rothe. Learning about its geographic origins, historical dispersal, occupational references, and interconnectedness with key historical moments and cultural identities of Germany, was an enlightening exploration of my lineage and heritage.

O. Rothe

Rothe: What does the surname Rothe mean?

The last name Rothe is an occupational surname that originated in Germany. It derives from Middle High German and translates as “the red-head” or “the individual with red hair.” This surname could have been a nickname given to someone who happened to be a redhead or even someone who earned the nickname due to their fiery temperament. The name could also have been used to describe someone’s occupation. For example, an individual that worked with red clay or someone who sold red cloth.

The name Rothe is common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, but it can also be found in other parts of Europe as well as in North and South America. In the United States alone, it can be found in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The name Rothe is only a few centuries old and was likely established as a surname in the 16th century. During that time, surnames were adopted as a way to help distinguish individuals from one another. This allowed for more efficient tax collection, census taking, and general record keeping of the population. As more people traveled, the surname was spread further along to different parts of the world.

Today, the Rothe surname still carries the original meaning of “red-head” or “fiery-tempered individual” but has come to symbolize a common heritage of family roots and a shared identity.

Rothe: Where does the name Rothe come from?

The last name Rothe is commonly found throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Low Countries. It is also a popular name in other parts of Europe, including Norway and Finland. Outside of the continent, the name is also commonly found in South America, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

In Germany, the origin of the last name Rothe dates back to the early 13th century when many of the inhabitants of the region adopted a hereditary surname system. One of the most common surnames to come about as a result of this system was the name Rothe. The earliest record of this name was documented in the year 1271 when a Heinrich der Rothe, or Henry the Red, was recorded in the military documents in the Mainzer miracula. This documentation showed that the individual was a soldier in the service of the Dutch king, Willem van Oranje.

The Rothe surname has continued to spread throughout the continent through migration and intermarriage. Today, it is one of the most popular surnames in Germany, accounting for approximately 0.25% of the population. In the United States and Canada, it is among the top 500 most common surnames, and in Australia, it is among the top 1000 most common surnames.

Variations of the surname Rothe

The surname Rothe is derived from the Old German word “rot” meaning “red” and may have been used to describe someone with red hair or with a ruddy complexion. The name is believed to have originated in Germany during medieval times and spread to other parts of Europe with migration.

Variants of the surname include Roth, Rote, Rothe, Rothen and Rotter. Additionally, alternative spellings include Roteh, Rothey, Ruthe and Rutta.

In some countries, Rothe is spelled with more than one ‘t’, such as Rotthen or Rotth

Famous people with the name Rothe

• Carlo Rothe: German architect and urbanist, known for his ground-breaking works of modern architecture and urban planning.
• Stephen Rothe: American soccer player and coach, who played professional in the United States, Germany, and Australia.
• Cedric Rothe: German cinematographer, who has worked on a number of films and television projects, including the Oscar-nominated film 'Gosford Park'.
• Paula Rothe: Costa Rican actress, who is best known for her roles in films such as 'The Mule' and 'Celeste & Jesse Forever'.
• Patrick Rothe: German actor and theatre director, who has appeared in films such as 'Agent Hamilton' and 'My Downfall'.
• Sylvia Rothe: Spanish actress, who received critical acclaim for her lead roles in two of the country's most popular television series, 'Águila Roja' and 'Ídolos'.
• Hans Rothe: German philosopher and theologian, who wrote widely on topics such as phenomenology, religion, and ethics.
• Karl Rothe: German painter, who was heavily influenced by Expressionism and is particularly known for his portraits and landscapes.
• Robert Rothe: American professor of economics, who made numerous contributions to the field of finance and international finance.
• Michael Rothe: German doctor and politician, who served as Minister of Health and Social Affairs of the German Democratic Republic from 1990 to 1993.

Other surnames

RothRothaarRothackerRothaermelRothannsRothanslRothardRothardtRothardusRotharmelRothärmelRothartRotharthRothaugRothaugeRothauptRothbartRothbarthRothchildRothemundRothemundtRothenfußerRothenmelRothenstainRothenstainerRothensteinRothensteinerRotherRotheramRotherham