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Last Name Rowling

What is the origin of the last name Rowling?

The last name "Rowling" is of English origin. It is believed to be a habitational surname derived from the Old English word "rawling," meaning a strip of land or path cleared for plowing. It likely originally referred to someone who lived near or worked on such land. The name may have also evolved from the Old English personal name "Hroe," meaning famous, and the suffix "-ing," meaning son of. Overall, the surname Rowling is thought to have originated in the regions of Yorkshire and Lancashire in England.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Rowling

The meaning and origin of the last name Rowling

The surname Rowling is of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Hrolfing", which is a patronymic surname meaning "son of Hrolf". The name Hrolf is a variant of the Old Norse name Hrólfr, which is composed of the elements "hrod" meaning fame, and "ulfr" meaning wolf. The first recorded spelling of the surname Rowling dates back to the early 13th century in Essex, England. Over time, variations of the surname have developed including Rawling, Rawlings, and Rowland. The name Rowling gained popularity in the modern era due to the success of author J.K. Rowling, known for her Harry Potter series.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rowling

The last name Rowling is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, specifically in England and Scotland where it originated. It is also present in countries with historical connections to the UK, such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Due to the global popularity of the author J.K. Rowling, who shares the same last name, there has been an increase in the use of the name in other English-speaking countries and beyond. However, the concentration of the Rowling surname remains highest in the UK, where it is believed to have originated from the medieval English name "Rawling," meaning "son of Rawl."

Variants and spellings of the last name Rowling

The last name Rowling can be spelled in various ways, including Rolling, Rowlings, Rollins, Rowland, Rowlin, Roeling, and Rauling. These variations may be a result of transcription errors, changes in pronunciation over time, or regional accents influencing the spelling. Despite the differences in spelling, they all likely stem from the same origin and may still be related to the famous author J.K. Rowling's surname.

Famous people with the last name Rowling

The most famous people with the last name Rowling include Joanne Rowling, also known as J.K. Rowling, the British author best known for creating the Harry Potter series which has become a worldwide phenomenon. These books have inspired a film series, theme park attractions, and a dedicated fanbase. J.K. Rowling's success as a writer has made her one of the most influential and wealthy authors in the world. In addition to J.K. Rowling, there are other notable individuals with the last name Rowling, but they do not have the same level of fame and recognition as the acclaimed author.

Genealogical research on the last name Rowling

The surname Rowling is believed to be of English origin, specifically derived from the Old English personal name "Hrothweard," which means "fame-keeper." The name can also be traced to medieval times in England, where it was commonly found in the region of Yorkshire. There are records of individuals with the surname Rowling residing in various parts of England throughout history, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Warwickshire. The family may have been involved in agricultural or trade professions, as evidenced by census and parish records from the 19th and 20th centuries. Additionally, famous author J.K. Rowling has brought prominence to the surname in modern times, introducing a new generation to the name and its possible heritage.

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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