Last Name Rood

The last name "Rood" is of English and Dutch origins. In English, it is a variant of the Middle English word "rod," which means "a clearing in a forest." It can also be a topographic name referring to someone who lived by a clearing or open space. In Dutch, the name "Rood" means "red," and it could have been an occupational surname for someone who worked with red dye or someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. It is also possible that the name was given to someone who lived by a landmark or place associated with the color red. Overall, the origin of the surname "Rood" is likely to differ depending on the specific region and family history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rood

The meaning and origin of the last name Rood

The surname Rood has both German and English origins. In German, the name is derived from the word "rot," meaning "red," and was likely a nickname given to someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. It may also have been used as a descriptive name for someone living by a red-colored feature, such as a red house. In English, the surname Rood is derived from the Middle English word "rood," meaning "cross." It was often used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a crucifix or a crossroads. Additionally, the name could have been a nickname for someone who portrayed a crucifix during religious processions or plays. Overall, the surname Rood carries connotations of color and religious symbolism, reflecting the ancestral attributes or occupation of its bearers.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rood

The last name Rood is of Dutch origin, and its geographical distribution is primarily concentrated in the Netherlands and the United States. In the Netherlands, Rood is a relatively common surname, particularly in the northern regions such as Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe. These areas have historically been associated with Dutch farming communities, and the name Rood may have originated from occupational or descriptive references related to the color red. Outside of the Netherlands, the United States is home to a significant population of individuals with the last name Rood. Many Roods migrated from the Netherlands to the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries in search of economic opportunities and a new life. Today, states such as Michigan, New York, California, Ohio, and Illinois have notable concentrations of individuals with the surname Rood. This dispersion is a result of different waves of migration and subsequent settlement patterns across the country.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rood

The surname Rood has several variations and spellings that have emerged over time. Some common variations include Rode, Rodd, Roods, and Roode. These variations often occur due to regional dialects, migration, or cultural adaptations. For instance, individuals with Dutch or German heritage may adopt the spelling Rode or Roode, while those with English ancestry might use the spelling Rodd. Additionally, the surname may also be spelled with a double "o" as in Roods or with an added "s" at the end, resulting in Roode or Roods. Moreover, as families dispersed and migrated to different countries, further variations arose. For instance, some individuals with the surname Rood may have adopted alternative phonetic spellings based on the pronunciation in their new homeland. These can include Rout, Rhodes, and Roodt. Despite the various spellings and variations, all of these surnames ultimately trace their origins back to the same root, making them part of the broader Rood family.

Famous people with the last name Rood

There aren't many well-known figures with the last name Rood, however, one notable personality is Alfred Norton Rood (1905-1998). Rood was an American herpetologist and ornithologist, renowned for his extensive research on reptiles and amphibians. His contributions in the field of herpetology include numerous publications and discoveries, particularly in Mexico and the southwestern United States. Rood's work significantly expanded our understanding of various reptile species and their habitats. Another individual of note is Joseph Rood (1850-1922), an American landscape painter. Known for his meticulous brushwork and attention to detail, Joseph Rood specialized in depicting tranquil rural scenes and natural landscapes. Although they may not be as widely recognized as some other surnames, both Alfred Norton Rood and Joseph Rood left lasting impressions in their respective fields, showcasing their passion, expertise, and artistic skills.

Genealogical research on the last name Rood

The surname Rood is of ancient Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "rode," meaning a cross or crucifix, or it may have been an occupational name for someone who made or sold crosses. Alternatively, it could have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a crossroads or an area marked by a cross. The name Rood can be traced back to at least the 11th century in England. The earliest known recording of the name is that of Aedulfus Rode in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over time, the name Rood has seen various spelling variations, including Roodes, Rodd, Rode, and Rudd. Notable individuals bearing the surname Rood include American physicist E.O. Rood and portrait painter Henry T. Rood. Today, the surname Rood is found in various parts of the world, with concentrations in the United States, England, and Canada.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Rood"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends