Last Name Rothenbuhler

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rothenbuhler

The meaning and origin of the last name Rothenbuhler

The surname Rothenbuhler is of Swiss-German origin. It is derived from a place name in Switzerland, specifically the region around Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Baden-Württemberg. The name is composed of two elements: "Rothen", meaning red, and "Buhler", referring to a mill or a person who operates a mill. This surname was likely taken as an occupational name by someone who worked at a mill near Rothenburg. Over time, the family name has been adopted by many individuals in various parts of the world, particularly in the United States, due to immigration waves from Switzerland in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rothenbuhler

The surname Rothenbuhler is primarily distributed across the United States and Switzerland due to its historical origins from both countries. In the United States, it is most commonly found in the Midwest and Southeast regions, particularly in states like Wisconsin, Ohio, and North Carolina, where German immigration was prevalent during the 19th century. In Switzerland, Rothenbuhler can be traced to the canton of Aargau and Schaffhausen, as these areas have historical ties with the region from which many bearers of this surname emigrated. While it is also found in other parts of Europe and North America, its concentration remains highest in the aforementioned regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rothenbuhler

The surname Rothenbuhler has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common spelling variations include Rothnebuhler, Rothenbuehler, Rotenbueler, Rothenbueler, Rothernbuhler, Rothernbuehler, Rothenbuel, Rothenbuhl, Rothnebuhl, and Rothenbull. These variations can be attributed to factors such as changes in spelling conventions, regional dialects, and errors during transcription. Regardless of the specific spelling, the name is of Swiss origin, with the first component "Roth" meaning red, and the second component "Buehler" or "Buhler" referring to a smith or a farmer.

Famous people with the last name Rothenbuhler

The Rothenbuhler family is notable for several individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. One prominent member is Edwin J. Rothenbuhler Jr., an American geographer and anthropologist. He was instrumental in the development of cultural ecology, a subfield of anthropology that focuses on understanding the relationship between culture and the environment. Another notable figure is Christoph Rothenbuhler, a Swiss mathematician known for his work in algebraic geometry and combinatorics. In the world of sports, Mark Rothenbuhler is a professional soccer player who played for the San Jose Clash and D.C. United in Major League Soccer. Lastly, Paula Rothenbuhler, an American sociologist, has made significant contributions to the study of social movements and collective behavior. These individuals demonstrate the diverse achievements and impact of those sharing the last name Rothenbuhler across various disciplines.

Genealogical research on the last name Rothenbuhler

The surname Rothenbuhler originates from Switzerland and is derived from the Old High German words "rot" meaning red and "buhla" or "buhle" meaning hollow, indicating a red-marked valley or hill. Early records show that the name was first documented in the canton of Aargau in the 13th century, with Johannes Rotenbuhler appearing in the village of Schöftland in 1295.

The family later migrated to various regions of Switzerland and Germany, and some branches eventually settled in other parts of Europe and North America. In the United States, the name can be found predominantly in Pennsylvania, where many Rothenbuhlers arrived during the 18th century as part of the Palatine migration from the Rhine region.

Notable individuals with the surname include Albert E. Rothenbuhler, an American botanist and curator at the New York Botanical Garden, and Samuel M. Rothenbuhler, a prominent American Mennonite bishop and author. Genealogical research on the Rothenbuhler family continues to uncover more details about the history and dispersal of this interesting surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "rothenbuhler"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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.
Last updated : 26 July 2025