Surname Rossnagl - Meaning and Origin

Rossnagl: What does the surname Rossnagl mean?

The surname Rossnagl is of German origin and was originally derived from the Middle High German or Old German word "ross" which translates to "horse" and the Middle High German word "nagel" meaning "nail". This indicates that the name originated from an area where horseshoeing was a common trade, and the initial bearers of the name were likely associated with this profession - as a farrier or smith who makes and fits horseshoes.

The name Rossnagl is rather uncommon, and it is likely derived from the personal name of the original bearer of the surname. It might have roots in the Old German name "Hrodgisnahl," which was a combination of the Old German words "hrod" meaning "glory" and "gisnahl" meaning "foe." This suggests that the original Rossnagl was a proud and formidable figure.

The earliest recorded Rossnagl is likely Johann Rossnagl, who was born in 1789 in Oberalteich, Bavaria. As the surname is quite rare, it is likely only seen in the regions of Germany from which it originated. Except for a few immigrants, the name Rossnagl is absent from other countries.

Rossnagl, then, has a long history behind it, and is associated with the profession of horseshoeing and a proud, belligerent individual. It is an uncommon surname, which is likely only found in a few areas in Germany from which it originated.

Rossnagl: Where does the name Rossnagl come from?

The last name Rossnagl is a regionally common name found primarily in Germany. There are distinct branches located in Upper Swabia, Bavaria, and Thuringia where this surname is considered indigenous. It is also found in other German states such as Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony, Berlin, Westphalia, Hamburg and Lower Saxony. In Austria, this surname is found most predominantly in the Vorarlberg region.

Rossnagl has its' roots in the old German Palatine language that was spoken in the Rhine-Neckar area. The name is derived from the words 'rossel' or 'rossen', which means 'fighting bull'. The added 'nagl' is thought to have referred to a sharp metal spike weapon that was often carried by warriors during the 13th century.

In modern times, this name can also be found in the United States, where it is most strongly represented in the states of Wisconsin, Texas, Minnesota, Georgia, and California. Canada also has a growing population of individuals with this last name, the largest concentrations of whom call the prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba home.

All in all, Rossnagl is a widely dispersed surname that can be found in many places throughout the German-speaking countries, as well as the United States and Canada. It has its' roots in the Palatinate of the mid-13th century, and has remained quite common today as a result of steady migrations across the globe over the last century.

Variations of the surname Rossnagl

Rossnagl is a rare German surname that has a few variations and alternate spellings. The most common spelling is “Rossnagel” or “Rosenagel”, which are both derived from the Middle High German words “rosen” or “rose”, meaning a type of flower. The “-nagel” suffix in German denotes a nail or spike. Other variants of the name include “Rossnagel”, “Rössnagel” and “Rosnagel”. There are a handful of other surnames which are related to Rossnagel, such as Rosengard, Roessner, Rosenauer and Rosenmeier.

As far as the origin of the surname is concerned, it is believed to be of Frankish origin. It originated in the region of Franken, which was later incorporated into Bavaria. Thus, the surname is popularly found in southeastern Germany, as well as Switzerland, Austria and parts of the United States.

The exact meaning of the word “Rossnagl” is somewhat disputed. It is commonly believed to be derived from the German word “Rosen” or “rose”, however, some believe that those with the surname Rossnagl were from an ethnic group known as the “Rosenbergers”, who were of Saxon origin.

The coat of arms for the Rossnagel family is a shield which contains a black wild boar standing on its hind legs. This image is said to symbolize courage and strength, and is used to represent the Rossnagel family today.

Famous people with the name Rossnagl

• Thomas Rossnagel: German rower who won a gold medal at the 1980 Summer Olympics.
• Christopher Rossnagel: Former NFL linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals.
• Karl Rossnagel: German football manager who has won the German Cup with Rot-Weiss Essen in 1983 and has been an assistant coach for the German National Team.
• Peter Rossnagel: Former NBA player for the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls.
• Alfred Rossnagel: German composer and pianist active in the Romantic era.
• Thomas Rossnagel: German hurdler who competed in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.
• Otto Rossnagel: German sprinter who was a part of the German team who won the gold medal at the 1936 Summer Olympics.
• Adalbert Rossnagel: German violinist and conductor who led the Berlin Philharmonic from 1925-1933.
• Gerhard Rossnagel: German single scull rower who won a bronze medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
• Arthur Rossnagel: American politician who served as a state senator in Michigan in the 1920s.

Other surnames

Rossnagel