The surname Rofeld is of German origin and is derived from a variety of place names that contain the element "Rohr," meaning "reed" or "broom." These place names can be found throughout Germany and are often associated with geographical features such as marshes or wetlands. Over time, residents of these places took on the name of their home locale as a surname. The variation in spelling of surnames over the centuries, due to differences in transcription and translation, is common and leads to multiple spellings for the same origin.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Rofeld
The meaning and origin of the last name Rofeld
The surname Rofeld is of German origin, derived from various place names throughout Germany. It is a topographic name for someone who lived by a clearing or meadow, as the name is derived from the Middle High German "rofela" meaning 'clearing' or 'meadow'. The name may also have origins in Judaism, where it could be a variant of Rofe, which means 'physician' in Hebrew. Over time, the spelling has undergone various changes due to linguistic evolutions and migrations. The surname Rofeld is less common compared to other German names but still present among communities with Germanic or Jewish ancestry.
Geographical distribution of the last name Rofeld
The surname Rofeld has a concentrated presence in Germany, particularly in the western regions such as North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg, where it is most frequently found. This suggests an origin from these areas. However, smaller populations can also be traced in other parts of Europe, including Austria and Switzerland, indicating potential migratory patterns or historical ties between these countries and Germany. A few scattered instances of the Rofeld surname are also present in the United States, Australia, and Canada, suggesting dispersal during migration waves from Europe to these continents. In summary, while predominantly German, the geographical distribution of the Rofeld surname extends beyond its original origin, with notable populations in other parts of Europe and a smaller presence in North America and Oceania.
Variants and spellings of the last name Rofeld
The surname Rofeld has several variations and spelling modifications due to phonetic changes, historical transcriptions, and regional dialects over time. Some of the most common variants include: Roefel, Roeffel, Roffel, Ruffel, Ruvel, Rohfeld, and Roifeld. These variations may appear in different countries or among families with different ancestries. It is also possible to find hyphenated versions such as Rofeld-Smith, Rofeld-Johnson, or Rofeld-Jones, depending on family mergers or individual preference. These spelling differences do not necessarily imply a distinct lineage but rather reflect historical and cultural factors that have influenced the way names are transcribed.
Famous people with the last name Rofeld
Notable individuals with the surname Riefenstahl include Leni Riefenstahl (1902-2003), a German film director and photographer who is best known for her propagandistic films for Nazi Germany, most notably "Triumph of the Will" and "Olympia." Another prominent figure with the name is Heinz Riefenstahl (born 1946), a German computer scientist and entrepreneur, who co-founded SAP AG, one of the world's largest enterprise software companies. In addition, Jürgen Riefenstahl (born 1953) is a German composer and music producer, known for his work on film scores and electronic music albums. Lastly, Alexander Riefenstahl (born 1964), a former competitive swimmer from East Germany, won multiple Olympic medals in the 1980s.
Genealogical research on the last name Rofeld
The surname Rofeld is of German origin, derived from various regional place names, primarily those containing the element "Rohr" (meaning "reed") or "Raubert" (meaning "robber's clearing"). One of the earliest known records of this name can be found in the mid-1500s with Hans Rofel in Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg. Over the centuries, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved and variants include Roffeld, Rolfeld, Roefeld, and Rowfell. The Rofeld family migrated to various parts of Europe, with significant populations settling in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. In the 19th century, the name also became common among Jewish families in Germany and Eastern Europe. Some notable individuals bearing this surname include philosopher Ernst Cassirer and artist Max Rofe.
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