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Last Name Roffe

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What is the origin of the last name Roffe?

The surname Roffe is of English origin and is believed to be a variant of the name Roofe, which itself is an occupational name for a roofer or thatcher, derived from the Old Norse "ropr" meaning roof or cover. Over time, variations in spelling such as Roffe emerged due to factors like phonetic spelling, regional dialects, and scribal errors during the Middle Ages.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Roffe

The surname Roffe is of English origin, deriving from various places named Roef, Roof, or Roope in counties such as Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. These names were originally topographic surnames referring to a dweller by a roofed building or a person who lived on a hill with a roof-like appearance. The name's earliest known occurrence dates back to the 13th century, with recorded instances of Robert de Rope in Yorkshire (1246) and Richard atte Rofe in Lincolnshire (1275). Over time, the spelling has evolved from Roef/Roope to Roffe due to phonetic changes and regional variations in pronunciation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Roffe

The last name Roffe has its origins primarily in England and Wales, with high concentrations in areas such as Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Devon. Historical records suggest that it may be derived from place names like Roef or Roff in these regions. Over time, the migration of people bearing the surname Roffe led to its dispersal across other parts of England and Wales, with significant populations also found in London and surrounding areas.

In more recent times, there has been a diaspora of individuals with the last name Roffe due to emigration, particularly to North America. The United States and Canada have witnessed a substantial increase in the number of people with the surname Roffe, particularly in urban centers such as New York City, Toronto, and Vancouver. Additionally, smaller communities of Roffes can be found in other English-speaking countries like Australia and New Zealand, reflecting the global reach of this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Roffe

The surname Roffe has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation over time. Some common variants include Roff, Roofe, Roof, Roope, Roaf, Roaves, Rowfe, Rowfea, Rawffe, and Rauf. These variations may stem from minor changes in the spelling of the name, such as alterations in the use of vowels or the addition of silent letters, or they could result from the influence of regional dialects on pronunciation. Despite these variations, all forms of the name are ultimately derived from the Old English word "roff," meaning rough or rocky, and have a common root in Anglo-Saxon England.

Famous people with the last name Roffe

Notable individuals with the surname Roffe include:

1. David Roffe (born 1943), an English composer and conductor, known for his work in film and television. His scores have been featured in numerous British films and television programs.

2. Daphne Roffe-Perez (born 1962), a Canadian physician who specializes in infectious diseases. She has made significant contributions to the understanding of tuberculosis and HIV co-infection, particularly in the context of Canada's First Nations population.

3. Mark Roffe (born 1967), an English musician best known as the bassist for British rock band The Wildhearts from 1994 to 2000. He has also been a member of several other bands, including The Mustard Gas Commemorative and The Prople.

4. Paul Roffe (born 1956), an English musician who co-founded the band T'Pau in 1987. Their debut single, "Heart and Soul", reached number one in the UK Singles Chart in 1987.

These individuals have made significant contributions to music, medicine, and film industries.

Genealogical research on the last name Roffe

The surname Roffe is believed to have originated from the Old Norse personal name "Rofi" or "Rófi," which means rough or fierce. The name was anglicized and subsequently became popular in England during the Viking invasions. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name in England is in the Doomsday Book of 1086, where a Robert de Rove is listed in the county of Yorkshire.

The Roffe family is thought to have descended from John Rofe, born around 1325, who was recorded as living in Essex. His descendants spread throughout England, with notable branches in London, Northamptonshire, and Suffolk. A notable member of the family, Richard Roffe, served as Mayor of Norwich during the late 16th century.

In modern times, the surname Roffe can be found primarily in England, particularly in the counties of Essex, Yorkshire, London, and Suffolk. It has also been recorded in smaller numbers in other countries due to migration, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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