Surname Rökker - Meaning and Origin
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Rökker: What does the surname Rökker mean?
The last name Rökker is a German, Dutch, and Scandinavian surname that comes from the Middle High German word "rockere", which refers to a gamekeeper or hunter. It is likely that the name was derived from a profession, as those who had it were likely individuals who enjoyed hunting and helping to manage game in the Middle Ages.
The earliest record of the name is found in 1369, when a Johannes Rökker was recorded in the German city of Strasbourg. Until the 19th century, the bearers of this name typically originated from Germany and the Low Countries. However, during the 1880s, many with the surname migrated to America and Canada, resulting in a large spread of the name.
As with some other surnames of Germanic origin, Rökker has also been adapted over time to different spellings. Although Rökker is the most common spelling, some individuals with the same surname have changed it to "'Rokar", "'Rokker", "'Rocker" and other variations.
Altogether, the surname indicates a brave, steadfast personality; the bearers of the surname Rökker were likely respected individuals for their skill and ability as hunters.
Order DNA origin analysisRökker: Where does the name Rökker come from?
The last name Rökker is commonly found today in Germany and Scandinavia, particularly in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland.
In Germany, the last name Rökker can be found primarily in Nordrhein-Westfalen, the most populous state. It is also fairly common in Hamburg, Berlin, and Bavaria. It is not as prevalent in the southernmost states of Germany, such as Baden-Wurttemberg and Hessen.
In Sweden, many Rökkers are living today in the larger cities, particularly in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. It is also more common in Västerås, Norrköping, Umeå, and Linköping.
In Norway, the name is most often found in the cities of Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, and Trondheim.
In Denmark, Rökker is most common in the capital, Copenhagen, and in the surrounding area. It is also quite prevalent in Odense, Aarhus, and Aalborg.
In Finland, the name is most often found in the capital, Helsinki, as well as in Turku, Tampere, and Jyväskylä.
In all countries, the last name Rökker is quite rare outside of major urban centers, as most individuals with the name have migrated to larger cities. This has resulted in its highest concentration in the most populous cities in each country.
Variations of the surname Rökker
The surname Rökker is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "rocken" which means to redden. The variants, spellings and surnames of Rökker include Rokker, Rocker, Röcker, Röckers, Röckerl, Röckering, Röckerling, Röcklein, Recker, Rekers, Reckers, Rekering, Rekerling, Recklein, and Reukers.
The surname Rökker is found in various countries including Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United States. In the United States, it is found primarily in the states of Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
In Germany, the surname is most often spelled "Röcker", while in Austria it is typically rendered as "Rökker". In the Netherlands, it is commonly written as "Rökers", while in Belgium the spelling is usually "Röckerling". The United States variant of the surname Rökker is typically written as "Rocker".
Rökker is a relatively uncommon name, but there are a few notable individuals that have been associated with the surname. These include Dutch-German soccer player Willem Rökker, Flemish sociologist, politician, and social theorist Jean-Albert Rökker, German physicist Andreas Röcker, and the American-Austrian actor, singer, and writer at Large Eddie Rocker.
Famous people with the name Rökker
- Sjur Rökker: Norwegian actor
- Fjørtoft Rökker: Norwegian actor
- Oddvar Rökker: Norwegian military officer
- Anders Rökker: Norwegian sculptor
- Carina Rökker: German journalist
- Ragnvald Rökker: Norwegian politician
- Ole Rökker: Norwegian entomologist
- Christian Rökker: Norwegian actor
- Arthur Rökker: Norwegian actor
- Martine Rökker: German model and fashion designer