Surname Rauhen - Meaning and Origin

Rauhen: What does the surname Rauhen mean?

Rauhen is a German surname. Its literal translation in English is "rough," which could potentially refer to a characteristic of an ancestor such as tough or hardy. Also, it might indicate a geographical attribute related to where the family originated, for example, a rough terrain or region. It's important to note that the meaning and origin of surnames can be complex and varied, often linked to ancient family occupations, characteristics, or locations, which may have evolved over centuries. Therefore, the specific context and history of the Rauhen family could potentially provide further meaning to the surname. Like many other surnames, the interpretation can vary based on regional dialects and historical contexts within the German language.

Rauhen: Where does the name Rauhen come from?

The last name Rauhen is most commonly found in Europe, especially in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The name likely originated in Germany, coming from the Middle High German phrase, “rauhe man”, meaning “brave man” or “valiant man”. The name is quite old, with written records of the Rauhen surname going back as far as the late 12th century.

Today, the last name is most concentrated in Germany, where it is currently the 303rd most common last name. It is also common in Austria and Switzerland, as well as in the United States and Canada. In the United States, it is most often found in states that had large German immigrant populations, such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. In Canada, the last name is most commonly found in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.

In all countries, the name appears to be uncommon but not rare. While its ranks have dropped in some places, namely the United States, the name appears to be holding steady in many areas, particularly in its countries of origin. The name is often spelled differently depending on the country of origin and the area of origin, giving it broader reach and preventing it from becoming too rare or uncommon.

Variations of the surname Rauhen

Rauhen is a surname which originated in Germany and is derived from the German word ‘rauh’ meaning "rough" or "rugged". The variants of the name include Rauben, Rauh, Rauhb, Rohen, Rohne, and Rouhb. One form of this name is Reuben, an Israeli Jewish name which also has a similar meaning in Hebrew.

Variations of the spelling of the name are Rofen, Rauen, Roehen, Rohwen, and Rauwn. In the United States, people named Rauhen or variants of it are more likely to be found in Pennsylvania, especially in the Lehigh Valley region.

The most common surnames that are derived from Rauhen are Rough, Rohen, Rauben, Rouhb, and Rauhb. These are all derived from the original form of the name with slight variations in the spelling.

Other European names which are related to Rauhen include Roohen, Reapist, Rouman, Rawan, and Reuber. All of these names have similar origins but due to the various ways in which the name has been pronounced and spelled, they have evolved into different variations.

Famous people with the name Rauhen

• Max Raaben: German DJ and music producer.
• Natalie Raaben: Belgian actress and model.
• Julius Raaben: German writer, poet and satirist.
• Ernst Raaben: Austrian actor and theater director.
• Heinrich Raaben: German painter and sculptor.
• Paul Raaben: Austrian painter and lithographer.
• Lorenz Raaben: Austrian painter, draughtsman, and engraver.
• Gustav Raaben: German actor, stage designer, teacher and theatre director.
• Hans-Peter Raaben: German Educator and Founding Headmaster of the Raaben School in Frankfurt.
• Martha Raaben: German Archaeologist.
• Olaf Raaben: German Engineer.
• Christiane Raaben: German Politician.
• Emanuel Raaben: German Physiologist.
• Uwe Raaben: German Businessman.
• Mandy Raaben: German Artist, Singer-Songwriter, and Voice Actress.
• Mona Raaben: German Actress.
• Martin Raaben​: German filmmaker, playwright and theatre director.
• Justus Raaben: German Maletenor Opera Singer.
• Frank Raaben: German Cinematographer and Director.
• Steven Raaben: German Graphic Designer and Animator.

Other surnames

Rauhé