Surname Rölfsema - Meaning and Origin
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Rölfsema: What does the surname Rölfsema mean?
The last name Rölfsema is a Dutch surname derived from the personal name Rolf, which is of Germanic origin and means 'renowned wolf.' It was most likely given to someone who had wolf-like qualities, such as bravery, cleverness, or tenacity. The last name can also be related to the Dutch term 'rolf' which means 'to roar,' suggesting the person may have been loud and intimidating.
Rölfsema first began appearing in records in the Netherlands in the 1500s. The first recorded spelling of the surname is probably from the late 16th century. Over time, the spelling evolved. Over the centuries, it was frequently used as a first name, a nickname, and a surname.
The majority of people with the surname Rölfsema are found in the Netherlands, as well as former Dutch colonies, like Suriname, South Africa, and New Zealand.
The Rölfsema family has a long history in the Netherlands and they are held in high esteem within their community. Members of the family have kept the traditions and culture of their homeland alive for generations. They are known for their hard work, resilience, and loyalty. This is what makes the name Rölfsema so special and unique, embodying an enduring respect for their ancestors and their past.
Order DNA origin analysisRölfsema: Where does the name Rölfsema come from?
Rölfsema is a Dutch surname that originated in the Netherlands, specifically in the province of North Holland. The name is derived from Rölf, meaning “wolf”, and sema, which means “a familiar name.” The name is still quite common in the Netherlands today, and is found in several Dutch regions such as Groningen, Drenthe, Friesland, and Flevoland. It is also common in Dutch-speaking areas in Belgium, Germany, and other parts of Europe.
The name has since been adopted and used by people around the world, particularly by people of Dutch ancestry. For example, the Netherlands Reformed Church in South Africa has members who bear the name Rölfsema. The name is also common in the United States, with a large number of people bearing the surname living in Minnesota, California, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Overall, the surname Rölfsema is still fairly common today, especially among those of Dutch descent. For those looking to trace their Dutch ancestry or looking for a unique and meaningful name, the Rölfsema surname is the perfect choice.
Variations of the surname Rölfsema
The surname Rölfsema is derived from the Low German diminutive of the name "Rudolf" or "Ralf". This surname likely originated in what is now part of the Netherlands, but can be found throughout the Netherlands, in Germany, and in other areas of northern Europe. Common variants and spellings of the Rölfsema surname include Röllema, Rölfsma, Rölfsmann, Ralffsma, Ralffsmann, Rölgemann, Rolfsen, Rolfs, and Rolf.
The most common variant of the surname throughout Germany is Röllema. This variation is also used in the Netherlands and is sometimes spelled as Röllemann. This spelling is more common in the Netherlands and is often found in records from that region.
In Germany, the Rölfsma variation is the most commonly used form, including spellings such as Rölfsmans, Rölfsmansma, and Ralffsmann. It is likely this spelling was used by families in the bordering areas of Germany and the Netherlands, such as in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region.
The Rolfsen spelling is found in both Norway and Denmark, where it is used in both the Old Norse form and in the more commonly used Norwegian spirit. In Norway, the surnames Rolfs (Rølffs, Rølfs) and Rolfsen are both found. In Iceland, the Icelandic form Rolfsson is found.
Finally, in the United States, the Rölfsema name is found spelled as Rolfs. This spelling is a modified version of the traditional German spelling. It is likely that this form was adopted by immigrant families arriving in the United States.
Famous people with the name Rölfsema
- Christian Ferdinand Rölfsema: A German-born engineer and draftsman who settled in the United States after the Civil War and became a prominent manufacturer and a founder of the city of Harveyville in Kansas.
- Herman Clifton Rölfsema: A Dutch-born businessman who founded the Radioactivity Laboratory in Leiden, the Netherlands, in 1908 and made a major contribution to the development of scientific instruments for gamma and alpha radiography.
- Charles Rölfsema: A German-born actor who was best known for his roles in early silent films such as Die Schande des Studenten, Faust, Der Fluch des Wissens, and Das Haus des Schafers.
- Gerrit Rölfsema: A Dutch-born engineer and industrialist who was an important figure in the development of the steel and steel-making industry in the Netherlands in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Jan Rölfsema: A Dutch-born sculptor who is remembered for his solemn works such as the sculpture of Dutch statesman Johan Rudolph Thorbecke in the Hague and the monument of Louis Guillaume in Amsterdam.
- J.L. Rölfsema: A Dutch-born painter and illustrator whose works appeared in books such as Het Geheim Van het Hart and De Koningin en het Kalf, as well as numerous Dutch newspapers and magazines.
- Tony Rölfsema: An Australian-born actor and theatre director who is best known for his lead role in the 1964 film A Hard Day's Night and for his appearance in numerous television shows such as Dynasty and The X-Files.
- Heinz Rölfsema: A German-born seismologist who has worked in the fields of earthquake engineering, seismic hazard analysis and crustal tectonics in both Europe and the United States.
- Edmund von Rölfsema: A German-born landscape painter who became a court painter for Emperor Wilhelm II and became known for his idyllic views of German countryside.