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Last Name Rowles

What is the origin of the last name Rowles?

The last name Rowles is of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English personal name "Rol," which itself is a short form of the name "Rolph" or "Rudolph." The surname Rowles would have been used to indicate "the son of Rol" or "the descendant of Rol." Over time, the spelling of the name may have evolved from Rolles to Rowles. The name Rowles is fairly common in England and has spread to other English-speaking countries as well.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Rowles

The meaning and origin of the last name Rowles

The surname Rowles is of English origin, deriving from the medieval given name "Roul," which itself is a diminutive of the personal name "Rolf." The name Rolf is derived from the ancient Germanic elements "hrod," meaning "renown," and "wolf," meaning "wolf." As a result, Rowles can be interpreted to mean "famous wolf," or "renowned wolf." The surname Rowles could have been bestowed as a nickname for someone who had wolf-like characteristics, such as a fierce or cunning nature, or employed as a patronymic surname, denoting "son of Roul." Alternatively, the name could also have been of locational origin, implying that the bearers of the name hailed from a place named Rolle or Rolly, which were historically recorded as settlements in Norfolk and Yorkshire. Over time, the spelling of the name may have evolved and variations such as Rowsell, Rolls, and Rousell emerged. Today, the surname Rowles remains relatively uncommon but can still be found predominantly in England and its diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rowles

The last name Rowles has a relatively limited geographical distribution, primarily concentrated in the United States and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the name is most prevalent in the Mid-Atlantic region, particularly in Pennsylvania and Maryland. This could be attributed to historical migration patterns of individuals with this surname. Additionally, Rowles can be found scattered across other states such as Virginia, Ohio, and New York. In the United Kingdom, the name is more widely distributed, appearing in various regions including Cornwall, Devon, and Lancashire. The origins of the surname can be traced back to Old English, with Rowles possibly deriving from the words "rough" and "hill." While there may be occasional instances of individuals with the last name Rowles in other parts of the world, the overall geographical distribution remains concentrated in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rowles

The last name Rowles has a few variations and spellings, reflecting the diversity and evolution of surnames over time. One common variation is "Roule" which is derived from its French origins, reflecting a possible ancestral connection to France. Another frequently encountered variation is "Rowls," where the "e" is replaced with the letter "s." This alteration may have emerged due to regional accents or dialects that affected pronunciation or spelling. Additional variations include "Roulles," "Rholles," and "Rowlis," which might have stemmed from different regional or cultural influences. Over the years, these variations demonstrate the flexibility and adaptability of surnames, influenced by various factors such as immigration, translation, or changes in pronunciation. While the spelling and pronunciation may vary, the shared root of the surname remains evident, providing a sense of ancestral connectivity and heritage for individuals with the last name Rowles or any of its variations.

Famous people with the last name Rowles

There is limited information available on famous people with the last name "Rowles." However, one prominent individual with this last name is Jon Rowles. Jon Rowles is an American former professional basketball player who played in the NBA during the 1970s. He was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round of the 1971 NBA Draft, and he played for the team for three seasons before transitioning to the American Basketball Association (ABA). Rowles had a successful ABA career, playing for the San Diego Conquistadors and the Utah Stars. Although his basketball career may not have brought him wide-scale recognition, Jon Rowles played a role in professional basketball during his time. It is important to note that "Rowles" is not a particularly common last name, which may explain the scarcity of information on famous individuals with this surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Rowles

The last name Rowles is of English origin and is primarily found in the counties of Lancashire and Cheshire. The research on the genealogy of this surname reveals a notable historical presence in these regions. The earliest records date back to the 16th century, where individuals with the last name Rowles were listed as landowners and citizens engaged in various occupations such as farmers, weavers, and merchants. Over the centuries, the surname spread to other parts of England and even migrated to other countries through emigration. The research further uncovers several notable individuals bearing the last name Rowles, such as John Rowles, a renowned British painter, and Frank Rowles, a successful entrepreneur. Today, the surname Rowles continues to exist in many parts of the world, with descendants actively pursuing their family history and contributing to the ongoing legacy of the name.

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 : 11 April 2025

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