Surname Rotwein - Meaning and Origin

Rotwein: What does the surname Rotwein mean?

The last name Rotwein is of German origin and is derived from the words "rot" and "wein" which mean red wine. The name itself is composed of two words “rot” meaning “red” and “wein” meaning “wine”. It was most likely adopted as a surname or nickname by someone whose profession, or favorite pastime, was that of a wine-maker or a vintner.

Historically, Rotwein likely comes from the Middle High German rütewein, meaning "red wine." It is likely to have been used as a reference to make a comparison between the red wine and the reddish complexion of someone.

Today, the name Rotwein is still quite common in Germany, though persons with the surname are likely to be found throughout Europe. The meaning of Rotwein is likewise quite easily translated; red wine. It is possible that people bearing this name may have ancestral connections with those involved in the production of wine, but it could also simply denote a liking of red wine.

Rotwein is a surname filled with vibrancy and life, representative of the people that bear it and of the ages that it has served. It stands out, seeming to make a toast to centuries gone by.

Rotwein: Where does the name Rotwein come from?

The last name Rotwein is common today mostly in the countries of Germany, Austria, Poland, and Hungary. In Germany, the name is most commonly found in the regions of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. In Austria, the name is most common in the eastern part of the country. In Poland, the name is most commonly found in the western part of the country near the German border. In Hungary, the name is most commonly found in the Budapest region.

In the United States, the last name Rotwein is not particularly common. It is more commonly found among the descendents of European immigrants who arrived during the 19th and 20th centuries. According to the US Census Bureau, as of 2018, there were 294 people with the last name Rotwein living in the United States.

In Canada, the last name Rotwein is even less common. According to the 2016 Canadian Census, there were only 121 people with the last name Rotwein living in the country.

Overall, the last name Rotwein is still common today, but primarily in the countries of Germany, Austria, Poland, and Hungary.

Variations of the surname Rotwein

The surname Rotwein is an Ashkenazi Jewish or German Jewish last name with origins in Central Europe. It is most commonly spelled "Rotwein" but there are also other variants such as Rotwien, Rothwein, Rothwain, Rothwaine, and Rotwain. All of these spelling variations are derived from the Middle High German root words "roth" for "red" or "rotwi" for "wine".

The meaning of the surname Rotwein is derived from its literal meaning—“red wine.” The surname is derived from the occupation of a winemaker, or from a family who lived near a vineyard. In some sources, the surname is also traced to the Ashkenazi Jewish custom of marking wine with wax to distinguish different varieties of grapes.

In addition to the spelling variations of Rotwein, there are some variations in surnames which stem from the same root. Some examples include Rotwien, Rothwein, Rothwain, Rothwaine, Rotwain, Roshwin, Rowteyne, and Rothweyne.

Though most often spelled as Rotwein, this surname is spelled and pronounced differently in various cultures, including Germany, Russia, Lithuania, Poland and the United States. Thus, the surnames Rotwein, Rothwein, Rothwain, Rothwaine, and Rotwain all have the same origin and meaning.

Famous people with the name Rotwein

• Jeremy Rotwein: American film and television actor.
• Maximilian Rotwein: German lutenist and guitar player.
• Andreas Rotwein: Swiss mathematician and physicist.
• Renata Rotwein: Austrian journalist and television presenter.
• Judith Rotwein: Austrian sculptress, painter and installation artist.
• David Rotwein: American writer, director and producer.
• Kenneth Rotwein: American sculptor.
• Kurt Rotwein: German journalist and author.
• Steven Rotwein: American business executive.
• Jacob Rotwein: Israeli lawyer and judge.

Other surnames

Rotweiler