Surname Roux - Meaning and Origin
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Discovering the French and Sephardic Roots of my Surname Roux through iGENEA DNA Test
Using an iGENEA DNA test, I ventured into exploring my ancestry, more particularly the origins and historical underpinnings of my surname – Roux. Tracing its roots to the French landscapes, the surname, often used for those with red hair or a ruddy complexion, has a rich and vibrant history dating back to centuries.
Y. Roux
read moreRoux: What does the surname Roux mean?
The surname Roux is of French origin and primarily translates to "red" or "reddish." It is a topographic name for someone who lived in an area abundant with reeds, from the word "roux," related to Latin ruscus meaning "reed." It could also be a nickname for a person with red hair or a ruddy complexion. The name is widespread across France and is particularly prevalent in the southeastern region. The name also has historical recognition; for instance, renowned French chemist and microbiologist Pierre Paul Émile Roux was influential in the development of the vaccine for rabies. However, globally, people with the last name Roux might not have any connection with the name's original geography or meaning due to the spread of French influence and culture over centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisRoux: Where does the name Roux come from?
The last name Roux is most prominently found in the western part of Europe, particularly in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. It is a patronymic name, meaning that it derived from a father's name, or was derived from a variation of a father's name. Due to France's turbulent past, including multiple wars, religious conflicts, and changes of power, the last name Roux has also spread to other parts of Europe, including the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Italy, as well as to North and South America. The name is also found, though less prevalently, in parts of Africa and other parts of the world, particularly those with substantial French populations or a history of French influence. The last name Roux is also particularly common in North America, especially the United States.
In the United States, the Roux surname is most commonly found in the state of Louisiana. This demographic likely reflects the large number of French settlers who made Louisiana their home during the 18th century. The name is also found throughout the American South and along the East Coast, but is less common in other areas of the United States.
One of the most prominent examples of a Roux surname bearer in the modern day is Lisa Roux, a celebrity chef and cookbook author from Louisiana. In addition, the last name also appears often in other aspects of culture, such as literature, politics, business, and the arts.
Variations of the surname Roux
The surname Roux has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common are Raux, Rau, Rault, Raul, Aroux, Rou, Rouault, Rouau, Rouault, Rouaux, Rouillé, Roulx, Roul, and Ruo.
Roux is a French name originating from the word Rouge meaning Red. It is commonly believed to have been given to someone with reddish hair or a red complexion. It was first recorded in the 10th century in Aveyron, France.
Many variants of the Roux surname originated in southern France, particularly the Languedoc and Provence regions. Examples of spellings of the name common in these regions include Raux, Rou, Rouau, and Rouault.
Variants of the surname are also found in countries that were once colonized by France, such as Haiti, Canada, and parts of the United States. The spelling of the surname is often changed slightly in these countries, such as Roul or Roulx, as a result of language influence.
The surname Roux has been adopted throughout Britain and Ireland, appearing most commonly in the Picardy region of France. Variants of the surname in the British Isles include Raul and Rooke.
Lastly, the surname has been recorded in Germany, typically spelled as Aroux, with its recorded presence dating back to the 17th century.
Overall, the surname Roux has a variety of forms, spellings, and origins and continues to be a popular name throughout France and its colonies today.
Famous people with the name Roux
- Michel Roux: French celebrity chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author.
- Jean-Bédel Bokassa: former military officer and President of the Central African Republic.
- Albert Roux: French chef and restaurateur, best known for his Le Gavroche restaurant in London.
- Alain Roux: Michel’s son, celebrity chef like his father who now runs the Waterside Inn at Bray in Berkshire.
- Philippe Roux-Dessarzin: Swiss molecular biologist and biochemist.
- André Roux: French horse rider who competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics.
- Jacky Roux: Former French footballer who played for AS Monaco FC.
- Denis Roux-Comte: French Protestant theologian.
- Stéphanie Roux: French bobsledder who competed from 2002 to 2006.
- Gilles Roux: French bobsledder who competed from 1990 to 1995.