Surname Rockenfelder - Meaning and Origin
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Rockenfelder: What does the surname Rockenfelder mean?
The last name Rockenfelder is a German word, derived from the word “rocken” which means “to rule or govern”, and the word “feld” which translates to “field”. Thus, the literal meaning of the Rockenfelder name is “one who rules the field.”
It is believed the Rockenfelder surname originated in the south-western area of Germany, mostly in the Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg regions. During the 13th century, when this area of Europe was home to numerous duchies and small countries governed by powerful nobles, it is possible the Rockenfelder family held power over the fields of some of these territories.
The surname Rockenfelder is still common throughout Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg today. In fact, records show the majority of bearers of this last name living in Germany are concentrated in these two states.
Today, the Rockenfelder surname is a symbol of power and governance. Each person with this last name is an heir to this rich history, representing from where their family came and establishing the legacy that their ancestors built before them.
Order DNA origin analysisRockenfelder: Where does the name Rockenfelder come from?
The last name Rockenfelder is a German surname. It is most commonly found in areas that were historically part of the German Empire, such as Germany itself, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. It has also been found in other areas of Europe, such as France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, as well as countries in Central and South America that were once part of the colonial holdings of the German Empire.
Today, Rockenfelder is most commonly found in Germany, with concentrations in the southern states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. It is also found in other parts of the country, mostly in the former East Germany and in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Saxony. In the United States, Rockenfelder is most commonly found in Pennsylvania and Illinois, as many German immigrants settled in these states in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It has also been found in other states, including New York, California, and Ohio.
In addition to the countries mentioned above, Rockenfelder has also been documented in Canada, Australia, Japan, and other parts of the world where people of German descent have immigrated. It remains a relatively uncommon surname in most countries due to the scarcity of immigrants bearing the Rockenfelder name.
Variations of the surname Rockenfelder
The surname Rockenfelder is believed to have originated in the region of Germany known as the Rhineland, and even the earliest written records of the spelling, Rokenfeller, which dates back to 1607. Variations on the name, such as Rickenfelder, Rickenfeller, Rockenfeller, Roechenfeller, Rockenfeler, Rickenfeller, Rickenfellers, and many others, exist as a result of spelling errors, regulations of the church, and varying translations over time.
The spelling Rockenfelder also can be used as a middle name, so people with the surname might actually be Rockenfelder-Surname, rather than merely Rockenfelder. Unusual spellings can be seen in names such as Rockinfeller, as some records found early Rockenfeller were actually Rockinfeller.
Some alternate spellings, particularly those where the spelling has evolved over time, have become completely separate surnames. Rickenfels, Rockenfels, and Rockenfella are some of the most common such variations, and they are considered separate surnames that may or may not still be related to Rockenfeller.
Despite all the different spellings, many families are still aware of the original Rockenfelder name and its patrilineal descent. In some parts of Germany, you can also find variations of the name, such as “Röckefelder” or “Röckefeller” which are generally derived from the same root.
As many of the different variants are considered distinct surnames, people of the Rockenfelder origin often can trace their ancestral origins to other related families who share their history of German heritage. The spellings of these surnames have undergone various changes as culture and language has shifted over time, however many families maintain a strong sense of their unique family history and deep roots in their heritage.
Famous people with the name Rockenfelder
- Joe Rockenfelder: award-winning American actor and producer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- Yasmin Rockenfelder: writer, essayist, and professor from Minnesota, United States.
- Ryan Rockenfelder: professional Irish snooker player.
- Elona Rockenfelder: German professional women's basketball player.
- Fred Rockenfelder: American baseball player in the early 20th century.
- Mark Rockenfelder: German professional soccer player.
- Brad Rockenfelder: former American football wide receiver.
- Sven Rockenfelder: artist, creative director, and business owner from Toronto, Canada.
- Saydee Rockenfelder: flight attendant, musical theatre stage manager, and entrepreneur from Florida, United States.
- Susan Rockenfelder: business professor and author from Pennsylvania.