Last Name Raum

Learn more about the origin of the last name Raum

The meaning and origin of the last name Raum

The surname Raum is of German origin, derived from the Old High German word "room" which means "room" or "hall." It was originally a topographic name for someone who lived near a large building or a spacious room. Over time, it also became an occupational name for a builder or carpenter who constructed such structures. The Raum surname is relatively common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as among German diaspora communities around the world. Notable individuals with the surname Raum include the German physicist Hans Rausch von Traubenberg, known for his work on the quantum theory of the electron, and the American author Robert Raunch, who wrote under the pseudonym Bret Easton Ellis.

Geographical distribution of the last name Raum

The surname Raum is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly Germany and Austria, due to its origins from Old High German "rauma" meaning 'room' or 'hall'. It is also common in Switzerland, where it is the 89th most frequent surname. The name has also spread to other countries through migration, notably to the United States, where it is found predominantly among people of German descent. In North America, it is most common in states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin in the U.S., as well as Ontario and British Columbia in Canada. Raum is also present in South Africa due to German settlers, and in Australia through migration from Germany, the UK, and South Africa. The name can also be found in other parts of Europe, such as France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, and in some countries with a large Germanic diaspora like Brazil.

Variants and spellings of the last name Raum

The surname Raum has various spellings and variations across different regions and languages. In English, the most common spelling is Raum. However, it can also be found as Raume, Rauhme, Rohme, Roem, Roim, or Rhum in some parts of Europe. In German-speaking countries, it may be spelled as Raum or Rahm, and in Dutch-speaking regions, it might be written as Roem. The name originates from the Middle High German word "raum," which means "room" or "hall." It is a toponymic surname, meaning that it originally referred to someone who lived near a building with this designation. This surname is primarily found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

Famous people with the last name Raum

Prominent individuals with the surname Raum include:

1. Richard Raum (1926-1973), an American mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of topology, particularly in algebraic topology and homotopy theory.

2. Andreas Raum (born 1984), a German economist known for his work on monetary economics and central banking. He is currently a professor at the University of Freiburg.

3. Thomas Raum (1865-1947), a German architect who designed several notable buildings in Berlin, including the Colosseum amusement park and the Neue Wache monument.

4. Jens Raum (born 1991), a German professional footballer who plays as a defender for VfB Lübeck in the 3. Liga.

5. Timo Raum (born 1986), an Estonian singer-songwriter and musician known for his work with the band Sõpruse Pühad. He has also released several solo albums.

Genealogical research on the last name Raum

The surname Raum originates from Germanic roots, specifically Old High German "rauma" meaning "cavern" or "hollow." It is believed to have been a topographical name for someone who lived near a cave or a natural hollow. Variations of the name include Rauem, Roem, and Rohm.

The Raum family is known to have migrated from Germany to other European countries and later to North America. In Europe, records show that the name was common in regions such as Bavaria, Saxony, and Westphalia. The family's migration to North America began in the 18th century with German settlers who primarily settled in Pennsylvania.

In the United States, the Raum family is found primarily in states like Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio, with notable figures including Charles Henry Raum, a U.S. Representative from Wisconsin in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and Richard Raemisch, the former director of the Colorado Department of Corrections. The name's prevalence in these areas is likely due to continued immigration from Germany throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Raum"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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 : 25 July 2025