What is the origin of the name Roth?

The origin of the given name Roth is Old High German and it derives from the word "rod," meaning "famous" or "renowned." In medieval Germany, it was a surname denoting a prominent family. As a given name, Roth is less common but has been used in some parts of Europe, particularly Germany and Scandinavia.

Learn more about the origin of the name Roth

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Roth

The name Roth is of German and Jewish origin, derived from a surname that originally referred to a red-haired person or someone with a ruddy complexion. The name comes from the Middle High German word "rot" which means 'red'. In Judaism, the surname Roth is often an occupational name for a dyer or tanner, as these professions were associated with the color red. As a first name, Roth has gained popularity in recent times and can be found among both German and English speakers. It symbolizes strength, courage, and determination due to its associations with the vibrant and powerful color red.

Character traits associated with the name Roth

Roth is a name that often signifies individuals with strong intellect and a keen sense of curiosity. People named Roth are typically characterized by their analytical minds and ability to think critically. They tend to be independent thinkers, often questioning the status quo and seeking innovative solutions. Roth individuals are usually driven by a deep desire for knowledge and understanding, making them lifelong learners and enthusiastic explorers. They may also exhibit a strong sense of determination and resilience, refusing to back down from challenges. On the personal side, they can be highly creative and expressive, with a rich inner world that they are not always quick to share with others. However, Roth individuals can sometimes come across as aloof or intense due to their depth of thought and intensity of focus.

Popularity of the name Roth

The name Roth is relatively uncommon in the United States, ranking outside the top 1000 most popular names for boys born in 2020 according to the Social Security Administration's data. It has seen a minor decline in usage over the years, with 63 births reported in 2020 compared to 75 in 2019. The name Roth may find some popularity among those seeking unique and less common names for their children. Its similarity to other more popular names such as Robert or Rothe may contribute to its infrequent usage, as parents might opt for variants with similar pronunciation but higher visibility. Roth is a German surname originating from the Old High German word "rod" meaning "red," and it has been used as a given name in various countries, although its use remains relatively low globally.

Famous people with the name Roth

Notable individuals with the given name Roth include Marc Roth (a chess grandmaster), Marvin Roth (an American mathematician known for his work on algorithmic randomness and ergodic theory), and Howard Stern's real name is Howard Allen Roth, although he is better known by his stage name. In the world of art, Mark Rothko was a significant abstract expressionist painter who created iconic works such as "Seagram Murals". Lastly, Michael J. Roth is an American legal scholar and historian, serving as President Emeritus and James William White and Marion L. Miller Distinguished Professor of Law at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon. These are a few notable figures bearing the name Roth across diverse fields.

Variations of the name Roth

Roth is a surname that has been used as a given name in various cultures and languages. It originates from a Germanic name meaning "red" or "hale" in Old High German. The following are some variations of the first name Roth:

* Rotha (feminine)
* Rohte (German diminutive for males)
* Rothe (German variant for both genders)
* Rot (German short form, also used as a surname)
* Rod (Old Norse variant)
* Raude (Norse and Icelandic variation meaning "hale" or "strong")
* Rudy (a pet form of Roth in various languages, including Polish, Czech, Slovak, Hungarian, and English)
* Rotar (a rare variant, possibly derived from the Latin word rota, meaning wheel)
* Rott (a German variant used as a surname or nickname)
* Roddy (an anglicized version of the Gaelic name Ó Ruaidh, which means "descendant of the hale one")
* Rody (short form of Roddy)
* Rotko (a Polish form meaning "red")
* Rudolf (a German name meaning "famous wolf," but sometimes anglicized as Roth or Rod)
* Roos (Dutch variant, meaning "rose")
NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

Last updated :

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names