Surname Rotharth - Meaning and Origin
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Rotharth: What does the surname Rotharth mean?
The last name Rotharth is of Germanic origin and is believed to have two possible meanings. The first meaning suggests that the name could be derived from the combination of two words: “hrod” meaning glory or fame, and “haz,” meaning enclosure or stronghold. This could suggest that a person bearing the name Rotharth was originally an owner of a stronghold in medieval times.
An alternate meaning suggests the name could also be derived from the combination of “hrod” and “harth,” both of which can be translated to mean hard or great. This could indicate that the name Rotharth was given to someone of great strength and fortitude.
Over the centuries, the spelling of the Rotharth surname has changed from “Rotehart” to “Rotthart” and finally to “Rotharth.” The name is still present in various regions of Germany and it has spread to other countries, including the United States.
The last name Rotharth carries with it a deep connection to Germanic history and a reminder of its proud heritage. For those that bear the name, it is a symbol of strength, and a reminder of the courage and determination of their ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisRotharth: Where does the name Rotharth come from?
The surname Rotharth is primarily found today in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and other Germanophone countries. It is not as common as it was in past centuries when many Rotharths lived and worked in various parts of Germany.
In Germany, the Rotharths remain especially concentrated in the region of Upper Bavaria, especially around the towns of Landsberg am Lech and Olching. This region was once part of a much larger cluster of Rotharths, stretching from the Black Forest, through the valleys of the Swabian Jura (where many Rotharths worked in the metal and jute industries), to Bavaria.
In recent decades, many Rotharths have likely left Bavaria and dispersed to other states such as Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Baden-Württemberg. Many of these states, however, have consistently had very low populations of Rotharths across the decades.
Outside of Germany, Rotharths are known to have mainly lived in the cantons of Zurich and Thurgau in Switzerland, as well as in the state of Salzburg in Austria. It is likely that the pervasive influence of German culture, language, and lifestyle in these regions have helped keep the name Rotharth alive in such places.
In the United States, the Rotharth name is not as common as it is in Europe, although it is possible to encounter the name in a few pockets of the country, particularly in Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Maine, and a few other places. However, the number of Rotharth individuals in the United States is likely relatively small.
Variations of the surname Rotharth
The surname Rotharth has several variants and spellings in different languages.
In English, Rotharth is usually spelled without the h, as Rothart. It is also sometimes spelled with an i instead of the letter a, in the form Rothirt or Rothirtz. The Gaelic form of the surname is Roarty.
In German, the surname Rotharth is spelled Rothe. The spelling of the family name may also vary depending on the region, as spelling conventions can vary between different German-speaking countries. Variants include Rott, Rotha and Rotthof.
In Polish, the surname Rotharth is also sometimes spelled Rodzart.
In French the surname Rotharth is spelled Rotard.
In Dutch, the Rotharth surname is spelled Rotaru.
The surnames Ruger, Reuter, Reeder and Reder share a common origin with the Rotharth surname, and likely derive from the same Middle High German root. The Middle High German root word, rot, means ‘red’ and the names are thought to derive from this root.
Famous people with the name Rotharth
- Darren Rotharth: Actor
- Andrew Rotharth: Adventurer
- Sidney Rotharth: Artist
- Nathan Rotharth: Musician
- Allison Rotharth: Innovator
- Peter Rotharth: Entrepreneur
- Eva Rotharth: Reporter
- Tom Rotharth: Comedian
- David Rotharth: Photographer
- Max Rotharth: Astronomer