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Last Name Rohden

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What is the origin of the last name Rohden?

The surname Rohden is of German origin. It is derived from a variety of place names that share this name, most notably in the Rhine region of Germany. The name is composed of "Rod" meaning clearing or grove and "Heim" meaning home, thus translating to Home of Rod. However, it's important to note that surnames often evolved during migration and changes in history, so there may be variations in its origin depending on the specific lineage.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Rohden

The surname Rohden is of German origin, derived from various place names that share this name throughout Germany, particularly in the western and central regions. The root word "Roden" means "clearings made in a forest" or "settlements in open country," reflecting the topographical characteristics of the original settlements where families with this surname lived. Over time, it has been spelled in various ways, including Rohden, Rohdin, Roden, and Rhoden, due to differences in transcription and transliteration practices. The name has been brought to other parts of the world by German immigrants, particularly to North America and Australia, where it continues to be a common surname among people with German ancestry.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rohden

The surname Rohden is primarily distributed across Germany and some neighboring countries due to historical reasons. In Germany, it is most prevalent in North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, and Lower Saxony. Beyond Germany, the name has a significant presence in Switzerland, particularly in the canton of Aargau, and to a lesser extent, in Austria. The name's distribution also extends to the United States, where many German immigrants brought the surname with them during mass migrations in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In the U.S., the highest concentrations of the Rohden surname can be found in states such as Pennsylvania, Texas, and California.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rohden

The surname Rohden has several variants and spellings due to differences in spelling conventions over time and across different regions. Here are some of the most common variations:

* Roden, Rodan, Roaden, Rooden (with or without the final 'e')
* Rhoden, Rehden, Rehdon
* Ruden, Rueden, Ryden (with or without the initial 'r')
* Rohdin, Roeden, Roedan

These variations are likely due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors during migration, and changes in spelling conventions over time. Additionally, it is also possible for individuals with the same surname to have slightly different spellings based on personal preference or family tradition.

Famous people with the last name Rohden

Notable individuals with the surname Rohden include:

1. John Rohden (born 1964), an American professional basketball player who played for teams such as the Boston Celtics and New Jersey Nets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was a member of the gold medal-winning United States national basketball team at the 1988 Summer Olympics.

2. Andreas Rohden (born 1967), a German former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, as well as for the Germany national team. He won numerous titles throughout his career, including the UEFA Champions League with Bayern Munich in 2001.

3. Christian Rohden (born 1986), a Swiss professional ice hockey player who currently plays for EHC Kloten of the National League (NL). He has also represented Switzerland internationally at various levels, including the World Championships and the Winter Olympics.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning sports such as basketball, football, and ice hockey.

Genealogical research on the last name Rohden

The Rohden surname is primarily found in Germany and Switzerland, with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. The name is derived from the Old Norse "Raudr" meaning red or ruddy, and the Old High German "hrod" meaning fame or glory. In medieval times, it was common for members of a family to change their surname based on various factors such as geographical location, occupation, or physical characteristics.

In Germany, the Rohden family can be traced back to the Rhine region in the 12th century. They were vassals of the Archbishops of Cologne and were often involved in local politics and land disputes. The Rohdens played a significant role in the history of the town of Bedburg, where they built a castle that still stands today.

In Switzerland, the Rohden family can be traced back to the canton of Aargau in the 14th century. They were involved in various professions such as farming, merchants, and craftsmen. The family migrated from their original settlement in Wohlen to the nearby town of Brugg during the late Middle Ages.

Throughout history, the Rohden family has produced notable individuals such as Jakob Friedrich Rohden (1752-1809), a German historian and theologian, and Johann Rudolf Rohden (1834-1914), a Swiss astronomer who discovered several asteroids.

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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