Surname Rohnacher - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Rohnacher: What does the surname Rohnacher mean?
The last name Rohnacher (also spelled Rohnacker) is of German origin. It is thought to be derived from the Old High German word “runhahho” which translates to “shield” or “one who wears a shield.” Therefore, it was likely used to designate a soldier.
The surname first appears in records during the 14th and 15th centuries, as The Rohnacker family played a prominent role in various German states. They were major traders and merchants, and served in several prominent positions in politics, religion, and the military.
In modern times, the surname is still found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also seen in the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Rohnacher is often thought to have a noble and aristocratic connotation, as those bearing the name have achieved great respect and success in their respective fields. Although often considered a status symbol of the times, it is also a reminder to keep humble, and to always strive to do better.
Order DNA origin analysisRohnacher: Where does the name Rohnacher come from?
The last name Rohnacher is most prevalent in the areas of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. According to data provided by Forebears, Rohnacher is currently most common in Austria, where it is the 790th most common surname, with approximately 1,832 people bearing the name. In Germany, it is the 1,537th most common, with approximately 651 people bearing the name, and in Switzerland, it is the 4,829th most common, with an estimated 393 people bearing the name. It can also be found in places such as France, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, and the United States, although in much lesser numbers.
Based on research from the Austrian Federal Statistics Office, the Rohnacher name comes from a region formerly known as the "Rohnatal". The word "roh" means raw in German, which is how the area got its name. As the story goes, a family bearing the surname first settled in the area, giving rise to the name.
The last name may also be encountered intranslation, as variants such as Rohnacher, Rohnacker, and Rosenacher, all spelling variations of the same name, have appeared in various settlements over time.
Finally, the Rohnacher name may also be found in books, movies, television programs, and other media. In 2013, the title character of the beloved German children’s book series, “Herr Rohnacher and His Friends”, was named after the Rohnacher family. Similarly, a minor character in the popular German television series “In aller Freundschaft” bears the last name of Rohnacher. This just goes to show that the Rohnacher name is still alive and well today, and that it is here to stay.
Variations of the surname Rohnacher
The surname Rohnacher is thought to have originated from German, with different spellings of the same origin like Rohnacher, Rohnacker, or Rohnackers. In some areas, the surname also has been spelled as Rhenacher, Rhonacher, Ronacher, and Ronacker.
The Rohnacher spelling of the name is primarily found in the United States and Canada. In Germany, the Rohnacker spelling dominates, and
Rohnachers of German nationality are usually spelt Rohnacker.
The variation of the spelling of the name may have arisen through clerical mistakes by immigration officials at the time of entry to the United States and other countries, or because the spelling of the surname changed due to regional languages spoken in different parts of Germany.
The name may also have evolved over time through variant spellings such as Rhenacher, Rhonacher, Ronacher, and Ronacker. These variants may have arisen due to migration from one region of Germany to another as well as through a desire to adopt a ‘modern’ variant of the name.
In addition, the surname has various surnames to which it is related, such as Rohan and Rohne. These surnames came from the Rohnacher family of Germany and have close ties with the original Rohnacher surname.
In summary, the surname Rohnacher has various spellings, variants, and related surnames including Rohnacker, Rhenacher, Rhonacher, Ronacher, Ronacker, Rohan, and Rohne. These spellings and surnames all have origins in Germany with the original Rohnacher spelling being primarily found in the United States and Canada.
Famous people with the name Rohnacher
- Trevor Rohnacher: an American musician, best known for his playing in the band As Cities Burn.
- Aaron Rohnacher: an American lawyer who is a partner at the law firm of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, LLP.
- Mark Rohnacher: an American football coach who is currently the head coach of the University of Northern Iowa Panthers.
- Leila Rohnacher: an American dance choreographer and instructor, best known for her work in the circus industry.
- Liane Rohnacher: an American television actress, best known for her portrayal of Nurse Wendy on ER.
- Thomas Rohnacher: an American business executive, best known for his work as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the North American division of Audi AG.
- Robert Rohnacher: an American businessman, best known for his work as Chief Operating Officer of the Sterling Management Group.
- Ronald Rohnacher- an American businessman and philanthropist, best known for his work with the Rohnacher Family Foundation.
- Ryan Rohnacher: an American professional golfer, best known as a member of the Professional Golfer’s Association of America.
- Vicki Rohnacher: an American artist and photographer, best known for her work in underwater photography.