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Last Name Roehm

What is the origin of the last name Roehm?

The surname Roehm is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "rôm," which means "fame" or "renown." The surname likely originated as a nickname for someone who was well-known or famous in their community.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Roehm

When considering the ethnic identity associated with the surname Roehm, the Decennial U.S. Census data reveals that it is predominantly associated with white ethnicity. In 2000, 97.29% of those carrying the surname identified as white, a number that saw a slight increase to 97.85% in 2010. The rest of the identities remained quite low in comparison, with Hispanic being the second most prevalent at 1.35% in 2000, decreasing to 1.04% in 2010. Those identifying as two or more races made up 0.68% in 2000 and decreased slightly to 0.67% in 2010. There were no recorded instances of those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, or American Indian and Alaskan Native.

20002010Change
White97.29%97.85%0.58%
Hispanic1.35%1.04%-22.96%
Two or More Races0.68%0.67%-1.47%
Asian/Pacific Islander0%0%0%
Black0%0%0%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0.38%0%0%

Learn more about the origin of the last name Roehm

The meaning and origin of the last name Roehm

The surname Roehm is of German origin and has various possible meanings. One common interpretation is that it is derived from the Middle High German word "roem" or "rom," which means "fame" or "glory." Thus, Roehm could have originally been a nickname or epithet given to someone who was renowned or illustrious. Another possible origin is from the Old High German personal name "Hróhmund," which is composed of the elements "hroth," meaning "fame," and "mund," meaning "protection." Over time, this personal name could have evolved into the surname Roehm as it was passed down through generations. Regardless of its exact origin, the surname Roehm likely indicated a person of stature or renown in medieval Germany.

Geographical distribution of the last name Roehm

The surname Roehm is primarily found in Germany and the United States. In Germany, it is most commonly found in the southern regions such as Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. The name is of German origin and is believed to derive from the Old High German word "hrōm," meaning fame or glory. As a result, it is likely that individuals with the surname Roehm have ancestors who were known for their achievements or reputation in their communities. In the United States, the Roehm surname is most prevalent in states with significant German-American populations, such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Overall, the geographical distribution of the Roehm surname reflects its German roots and the migration patterns of individuals with this surname to countries like the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Roehm

The last name Roehm can be found with various spellings and variations. Some common variations include Roemm, Roehme, Roehmm, and Romh. Other spellings that may be seen are Roehm with an umlaut over the "o" (Röhm), Roehm with an extra "e" at the end (Roehme), or Roehm with a silent "h" at the end (Roem). Additionally, in different regions or countries, the name may be spelled slightly differently, such as Röhm in Germany or Roehm in the United States. Despite these variations in spelling, the name Roehm ultimately originates from German roots and is typically pronounced as "rome" or "rehm" in English-speaking countries. Regardless of the specific spelling or variation, the name Roehm carries a rich history and heritage.

Famous people with the last name Roehm

One famous person with the last name Roehm is Ernst Röhm, a prominent figure in Nazi Germany and one of the founding members of the Sturmabteilung (SA), also known as the Brownshirts. Röhm played a key role in the growth of the SA and was a close ally of Adolf Hitler. However, Röhm's power and influence became a threat to Hitler, leading to the Night of the Long Knives in 1934, during which Röhm and other perceived enemies of the regime were executed. Despite his contributions to the early days of the Nazi Party, Röhm's controversial actions and ultimate downfall have tainted his legacy. Today, he is remembered as a symbol of the brutality and infighting within the Nazi regime.

Genealogical research on the last name Roehm

The surname Roehm is of German origin, derived from the word "Ruhm" which means fame or glory. This surname is primarily found in the regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg in Germany. The earliest known recording of the Roehm surname dates back to the 14th century in the town of Nuremberg. The Roehm family were known to be prominent landowners and merchants in the region during the Middle Ages. Over the centuries, the Roehm family has spread to other parts of Germany and beyond, with individuals emigrating to the United States, Canada, and other countries. Today, individuals with the surname Roehm can be found across the globe, with various branches of the family tree tracing their ancestry back to their German roots.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

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