NomOrigine Background

Last Name Rothoft

What is the origin of the last name Rothoft?

The surname Rothoft is of Dutch and Norwegian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse "Rauðr" which means red and "haug" meaning mound or hill. This name would have originally referred to someone who lived on a red-colored hill or mound. In the Netherlands, it is also possible that the surname could be derived from the Dutch word "rode hooft," meaning red head.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Rothoft

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rothoft

The meaning and origin of the last name Rothoft

The surname Rothoft is of Dutch origin, derived from the Old Dutch word "rode," which means red, and "hoft," which means court or yard. This name likely signifies that an ancestor lived at a red court or yard, or perhaps had a residence distinguished by a red structure. Over time, variations in spelling such as Roethof, Rothoff, and Rothef have emerged due to differences in regional dialects and transcription practices.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rothoft

The surname Rothoft is primarily distributed across the Netherlands and Germany, with significant concentrations in both countries. In the Netherlands, it's most prevalent in provinces such as Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe, which are located in the northern part of the country. This suggests a potential origin related to these regions. In Germany, it is more dispersed, with instances found across various federal states, but a significant number can be traced back to Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. The name's distribution also extends to Belgium, particularly in the Flemish region, and to a lesser extent, in Denmark and the United States, where immigrants from the Netherlands and Germany have settled over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rothoft

The surname Rothoft has several variations and spellings due to differences in spelling conventions, transliteration, and regional dialects. Some common variations include Rothofft, Rothofts, Rothoft, Rothoff, Rothefht, Rothofte, and Rothviert. These variations may arise from minor typos, historical changes in spelling rules, or cultural influences. In some cases, family members might have slightly different spellings due to differences in the way their names were recorded at various points in time. It's essential to consider these variations when researching genealogy and ancestry, as they can help trace family connections and better understand the historical context of a name.

Famous people with the last name Rothoft

Notable individuals with the surname Rothoft include:

1. Jens Rothoft (born 1974), Danish footballer who played as a defender for clubs like Brøndby and Ajax Amsterdam.
2. Carsten Rotholtz-Rothoft (1863–1935), a German pathologist known for his work on leukemia and lymphoma.
3. Birgit Rothoft (born 1972), a Danish actress who has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and plays.
4. Thomas Rotholtz-Rothoft (1856–1928), a German physician and pharmacologist who made significant contributions to the field of hematology.

These individuals have distinguished themselves in various fields such as sports, medicine, and acting.

Genealogical research on the last name Rothoft

The surname Rothoft is believed to have originated from Germany and is a variation of the more common Rothaupt or Rothof. Historically, it's associated with regions such as Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. The name is derived from "Roth" meaning red and "Hoft" referring to a yard or homestead, suggesting that the original bearer lived at the red homestead.

Emigrants bearing the Rothoft surname were among those who settled in the New World during the 17th and 18th centuries. Some members of this family moved to the United States, primarily to Pennsylvania and later to other states like Ohio, Illinois, and Minnesota. Notable individuals with this surname include Johann Georg Heinrich Rothaft, a Lutheran minister born in Germany in 1736 who migrated to America, and his son John Rothoft, an important figure in early Ohio history.

The family's dispersal and adaptation to various cultures have led to numerous spellings of the name over time, including Rothoft, Rothofte, Rothofft, Rothofte, Rotheft, and Rothert, among others. Genealogical research on this surname continues to uncover more about its history and notable figures throughout the world.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 24 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Rota (Last name)

surnames > rota

The last name "Rota" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian word "rota" which means "wheel." This surname may have originally been a nickname for someone who worked a...

Rotella (Last name)

surnames > rotella

The surname Rotella is of Italian origin. It is derived from a place name, often denoting someone who was originally from a location named Rotella, which can be found in several re...

Rotenberg (Last name)

surnames > rotenberg

The surname Rotenberg is of Jewish origin and has its roots in Germany and Eastern Europe. The name is derived from a place name, Rotenburg, which means "red fortress" in German. I...

Roters (Last name)

surnames > roters

The origin of the last name "Roters" is German. It is derived from the Middle High German word "rot" meaning "red" and likely originated as a nickname for someone with red hair or ...

Roth (Last name)

surnames > roth

The last name "Roth" has multiple origins and meanings. It can be of German, Jewish, or English origin. 1. German: In German, "Roth" means "red." It is derived from the Middle Hig...

Roth bare (Last name)

surnames > roth-bare

The last name "Rothbare" has German origins. It is derived from the Middle High German word "roth," meaning "red," and the Old High German word "pera," meaning "pear tree."

Rotha (Last name)

surnames > rotha

The last name "Rotha" is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Ruadha" which means red-haired or red-skinned. It is believed to have originated as a nickname for someon...

Rothan (Last name)

surnames > rothan

The origin of the last name Rothan is German. It is derived from the Old High German personal name Hrodan, meaning "fame" or "renown." Over time, the name evolved into the modern f...

Rothenbucher (Last name)

surnames > rothenbucher

The surname "Rothenbucher" is of German origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically "Roth-Buche", which means "red beech tree" in German. This name was often given to som...

Rothenbuhler (Last name)

surnames > rothenbuhler

The surname "Rotherbuhler" is of German origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically the town Rotherberg, which is located in several regions of Germany. The name itself c...

Rothenflug (Last name)

surnames > rothenflug

The last name "Rothenflug" is of German origin. It is derived from the German words "rot," meaning red, and "flug," meaning flight. The name may have initially been a nickname for ...

Rother (Last name)

surnames > rother

The surname Rother has Germanic origins, specifically from Old High German "rothar" which means "red haired." It is also connected to various place names in Germany with the same r...

Rothfeld (Last name)

surnames > rothfeld

The surname Rothfeld is of German and Jewish origin. It is derived from a place name or an occupational name. The place name origins come from various locations in Germany and Aus...

Rothfuchs (Last name)

surnames > rothfuchs

The surname "Rothfuchs" is of German origin. It translates to "Red Fox" in English, derived from the Old High German "rot," meaning red, and "fuhs," meaning fox. This last name is ...

Rothi (Last name)

surnames > rothi

The last name "Rothi" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "rot" meaning "red" and was likely originally used as a nickname for someone with red hair...