Surname Retterrath - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Retterrath: What does the surname Retterrath mean?
Retterrath is an occupational German surname which is derived from the old Germanic term ‘Rath’ meaning ‘counselor’. The name is composed of the elements ‘rat’ meaning ‘advice’ or ‘decision’ along with ‘ter’ meaning ‘person’ or ‘agent.’ It is believed to have originally been an honorific title of one who had great influence in their village or parish, and served as a counselor or advisor of some kind.
Retterrath is an old and rarely used name, and was found mainly in the area surrounding Bavaria. Today, Retterrath is mainly found in Germany and Austria, and particularly in the Moselle region of Germany where it is still in moderate use. The Retterraths of this region are believed to be descended from an old noble family that first appeared on the scene in the 17th century.
In modern times, the Retterrath name is quite uncommon but those who carry the name can trace their roots back to a long line of respected and influential figure who were active as counselors or decision-makers. The name Retterrath is a reminder of a long and proud heritage that has greatly shaped the history of the German people. In this way, those who carry the Retterrath surname can feel proud of their family's contributions and the honorable reputation of the Retterrath name.
Order DNA origin analysisRetterrath: Where does the name Retterrath come from?
The Retterrath surname is most commonly found today in Germany. According to a recent poll, this last name is currently found in about 0.00026% of the German population. A number of possible origins of the name have been suggested, including the German word "Rattert," which means "buzzing noise or murmur." This word could have developed into Retterrath over several centuries.
The family name is known to have been in use in various regions of Germany since at least the 14th century. Records suggest that some of the Retterrath family were living in the Palatinate region at this time.
Broadly speaking, there are two predominant areas where Retterrath families live today: the Rhineland-Palatinate, an area in western Germany, and the Sauerland region of North Rhine-Westphalia. In some cases, families with this last name can be found all over the country, though they are much more common in these two areas.
Interestingly, researchers have found that the Retterrath family name is relatively well distributed, with a number of families still living in the same area today as they have since at least the 19th century. As such, the Retterrath name is an example of a long-standing, well-established German family name that has withstood the test of time.
Variations of the surname Retterrath
The surname Retterrath is a German last name derived from the old German word Retter, meaning "keeper." It is also written as Rether and Retterath. Variations on this name include Retterrat, Retterrod, Retterrot, Rädterrath, Rädterrod, Rädterrot, Raedterrath, Raedterrod, and Raedterrot.
Variations and spellings of the Retterrath surname can also be found outside of Germany. For instance, Retterath is comonly found in Canada, The United States, and Austria.
Retterig and Retwaig are two other variants of the Retterrath surname which are predominantly found in Germany. Retrowat and Roterat are two additional variants, both typically found in The United States.
In some cases, the Retterrath name has been combined with other last names, resulting in hybridized surnames such as Retterrath-Koch and Retterrath-Stroh.
Some distinct surnames have been traced back to the Retterrath name, such as Roter, Roterat, Retterd, Retterot, Retterat, Retterrot, and Retterod. These surnames are found spread across Europe, especially in Germany, Austria, and The Netherlands. Retther is another surname found mainly in the United States.
Overall, the Retterrath surname has many variants and spellings, both in Germany and abroad. Chances are, if one looks hard enough, many more would be found scattered around the world.
Famous people with the name Retterrath
- Kelli Rettererth, American singer-songwriter.
- Brady Rettererth, American basketball player.
- Tori Rettererth, American fencer.
- Charlie Rettererth, American Aviation Engineer.
- Clara Rettererth, American scientist.
- Elsa Rettererth, German sprinter.
- Jürgen Rettererth, Austrian composer.
- Karl Rettererth, Australian rugby union player.
- Maximilian Rettererth, German golf caddy.
- Romina Rettererth, Paraguayan journalist.
- Werner Rettererth, Swiss historian.
- Duran Rettererth, American bodybuilder.
- Mark Rettererth, British soccer player.
- Jenna Rettererth, American author.
- Peter Rettererth, American biologist.
- Jana Rettererth, Czechoslovakian chess player.
- Zeta Rettererth, Czechoslovakian figure skater.
- Dana Rettererth, American special effects designer.
- Marko Rettererth, Croatian businessman.
- Bret Rettererth, Australian filmmaker.