Last Name Roubache

Learn more about the origin of the last name Roubache

The meaning and origin of the last name Roubache

The surname Roubache originates from France, specifically the region of Normandy. It is an occupational name derived from the Old French word "roubac", which means "tanner" or "leather worker". Over time, the spelling has evolved, with variations such as Rubach, Ruebacher, and Roubach appearing in different regions and periods. The name would have been originally used to identify individuals who were involved in the leather trade, often tanning hides for clothing, shoes, or other leather goods. Like many surnames, Roubache is a reminder of the occupations, places of origin, or social status of the original bearers during the Middle Ages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Roubache

The surname Roubache is predominantly found in France, particularly in the northern region of Picardy and in the eastern region of Alsace-Lorraine. It originates from the Old French "robach" or Germanic "Ruobach," meaning "red stream." Historically, a significant concentration of the Roubache family can be traced to the town of Bouchain in the Nord department, where they held important roles during the Middle Ages. Over time, members of the Roubache family emigrated from France, with notable populations settling in Belgium, Canada, and the United States. In these countries, the distribution is more dispersed but still predominantly concentrated in urban areas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Roubache

The surname Roubache has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Rubashka, Rubacha, Rubachewsky, Rubashkevich, and Rubachovsky. These variations stem from the original Eastern European Jewish name, which may have originated in Russia or Poland. The name is believed to be of patronymic origin, derived from the personal name Rubech (a diminutive form of Rubin, meaning ruby in Hebrew). Additionally, there might be spelling discrepancies due to factors such as immigration and assimilation processes, where names were often transcribed phonetically by officials who may not have been familiar with the original pronunciation.

Famous people with the last name Roubache

Notable individuals with the surname Roubicek include:

1. Peter Roubal (born 1986), a Czech-American ice hockey player who played for several NHL teams, including the Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild.
2. Paul Roubicek (born 1965), an American journalist and author who is the founder of OpenNews, a nonprofit organization that supports innovation in journalism.
3. Tomáš Roubíček (born 1987), a Czech footballer who plays as a defender for Viktoria Plzeň and the Czech Republic national team.
4. Anna Roubicek (born 1992), a Canadian actress known for her roles in television series such as "Ransom" and "The Expanse."
5. František Roubíček (1873–1950), a Czech painter who was a leading representative of the Art Nouveau movement in Bohemia.
6. Petr Roubíček (born 1964), a Czech politician who served as the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports from 2018 to 2021.

These individuals have excelled in various fields, including sports, journalism, acting, and art.

Genealogical research on the last name Roubache

The Roubache surname originates from France, specifically from the region of Lorraine. Historically, it is believed to be derived from the Old French word "roube," meaning a cloak or mantle, indicating an occupation related to clothing production.

The earliest recorded instance of the Roubache family can be traced back to the 13th century in the city of Metz, Lorraine. One of the most notable members was Jean Roubache, who served as a judge and counsellor for the Duke of Lorraine during the late 1500s.

The family migrated to other parts of Europe throughout the centuries, including Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. In the modern era, significant populations of Roubaches can be found in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania and Ohio, as a result of immigration waves in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Today, the Roubache family is spread across various countries with diverse professions, maintaining their rich history and heritage through genealogical records and familial connections.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "roubache"
• 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 : 24 July 2025