Surname Rossiter - Meaning and Origin

Rossiter: What does the surname Rossiter mean?

The last name Rossiter is of English origin, with roots in the Old French word "roceiter", meaning to build walls or enclosures. During the Norman invasion, the name may have been used to refer to someone responsible for building defensive works such as stone walls.

The Rossiter surname was first recorded in Essex at the beginning of the 13th century, and is derived from a place called "Roceterres" located near the modern border of England and Wales. Early forms of the surname were "Rouseater", "Rouseter" and "Russetter".

Throughout history, Rossiter has also been a popular name in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States. In the US, it is most commonly found in the states of Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New York.

Today, Rossiter is an uncommon but far-reaching name, held by various notable people around the world. In England, some of the more famous Rossiters include actors Heather Rossiter, Bill Rossiter and politician and solicitor Sandra Rossiter. The majority of the Rossiter clan can be found in the US, where Broadway and film actress Lily Rossiter and singer-songwriter Chris Rossiter are just a few examples of the talented Rossiter family.

What unites this large family is their common name, bearing a proud heritage and embodying the strength of the stone walls that were once built by a thrilling legion of Rossiter ancestors.

Rossiter: Where does the name Rossiter come from?

The last name Rossiter is most commonly found in the United Kingdom and Ireland today. In the UK, it appears to be mainly concentrated in Somerset, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire. The name may also be found sporadically throughout other parts of the UK and Ireland, as many UK and Irish families have historically migrated to other parts of the world.

Rossiter is believed to be a variant of the Old English personal name Rodgers, which means "son of Roger". Roger is thought to be derived from the Germanic element 'Hrod', meaning 'renowned or famous'.

The surname has had many different spelling variations due to the complex development of surnames throughout history. Some of these variations include Rossiter, Rositor, Rositer, Rositter, Rousseter, Rossitor, and Russoiter.

Rossiter is also fairly common in Australia, where it may have been brought to the country during the British settlement in the 1800s. It is also found in the United States, Canada and other areas around the world, most likely due to English, Irish and Scottish immigrants who left the UK to pursue a better life abroad.

The Rossiter name may also be associated with a coat of arms, which was granted to a family of the same name in England in the 19th century. This is a sign of status and usually includes a shield, crest and motto. The Rossiter family motto is said to be "never too late".

Variations of the surname Rossiter

The surname Rossiter is a patronymic surname of English origin, derived from the given name “Roger”. It is commonly found in the West Midlands region of England.

The various spellings and variants of the surname Rossiter include Rositer, Rosetter, Rosetter, Roziter, Rositer, Rowziter, Rosziter, Rozziter, Rozzetter, and Rowzyter.

In some parts of England, the name is spelled and pronounced “Rozziter”.

The surnames of the same origin as Rossiter include Rouse, Rous, Rousse, Ross, and Rousell.

Some people may also be descended from another surname of the same origin, Rust, which is a variant of the surname Ross. Rust can also be found spelled as Roost and Rowe.

The surnames Roost, Rouse, Rousse, Rous, Ross, Rossiter, Rowziter, Roziter, Rozzetter, Rozziter, and Rowezyter are all derived from the same given name, Roger, and all refer to the same basic origin.

Famous people with the name Rossiter

• Maxie Rossiter, English actress
• Dave Rossiter, Australian cricketer
• Emma Rossiter, British-born opera singer
• Robert Rossiter, English composer and conductor
• Charles Rossiter, World War II veteran and prisoner of war
• Wendy Rossiter, English actress and model
• Jack Rossiter, British actor and singer
• James Rossiter, British racing driver
• Vic Rossiter, World War I fighter ace
• Richard Rossiter, British actor and singer-songwriter

Other surnames

Rossitor