Surname Rotfuchs - Meaning and Origin
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Rotfuchs: What does the surname Rotfuchs mean?
The last name Rotfuchs is a German-language surname that literally translates to “red fox” in English and has various origins and meanings. In some cases, the name Rotfuchs is derived from a nickname meaning someone with red hair, while in other cases it may have originally indicated a person who owned red-furred foxes or worked with them in some capacity.
The Rotfuchs surname is quite old and can be found throughout Germany, with other individuals bearing the name located in Austria, Hungary, and other European countries. In addition, scattered clusters of Rotfuchs families can be found in the US, Canada, and Brazil, likely due to immigration from Europe during the late 19th and early 20th century.
The literal translation of Rotfuchs (red fox) often has symbolic connotations. For instance, some members of the Rotfuchs family may observe the positive traits of the fox, such as craftiness, intelligence, and adaptability, while other members may take their cultural identity to a deeper level by honoring their ancestors through stories, art, or rituals.
In summary, the last name Rotfuchs is derived from the German word for “red fox” and is likely to have originated as a nickname given to a person who had red hair or who worked with foxes—especially those with red fur. The symbolic meaning of the red fox may be of major importance to many members of the Rotfuchs family who may honor their ancestors through stories, art, or rituals.
Order DNA origin analysisRotfuchs: Where does the name Rotfuchs come from?
The last name Rotfuchs is most common in Germany. It is a German-language surname meaning "red fox," and it can be traced back to medieval times, when it was a nickname for a person with reddish hair or complexion.
Today, it is most widespread in the states of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse, especially in the large cities of Munich, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt. In 2015, data from the German Federal Office for Statistics showed that Rotfuchs was one of the top 500 last names in the country, with 1,653 reported instances.
In more recent years, the surname has spread to other nations due to emigration. There is a particularly large number of people bearing the name in the United States, particularly in west coastal states like California and Oregon.
Many people with the Rotfuchs surname have famous or notable ancestors, including the 19th century German author Gustav Rotfuchs and psychoanalyst Erich Rotfuchs. Additionally, there are a variety of similarly-named variations scattered throughout Europe, such as the Dutch Rotvos.
Overall, the Rotfuchs surname is still going strong in Germany, but it can also be found scattered across the globe today.
Variations of the surname Rotfuchs
The surname Rotfuchs is derived from the German word "rotfuchs," which literally translates to "red fox." There are a number of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, including Rothfuchs, Rotkopf, Rother, Rageth, Rottefürchter, Rotjäger, Rothhäuser and Rotfuss.
The variants, spellings and surnames derived from Rotfuchs all share an etymological origin. For example, Rothfuchs is derived from the German root word "rot," which means "red," and "fuchs," which means "fox." Similarly, "rotkopf" means "red head," and "rother" means "reddish."
The etymological origin of Rotfuchs can also be seen in surnames such as Rageth, which is derived from the German word "ragen," meaning "to stand out." Other surnames derived from the word Rotfuchs include Rottefürchter, which means someone who is scared of red foxes, and Rotjäger, meaning a hunter of red foxes.
The variants of Rotfuchs can also have regional spelling variations, such as Rothhäuser for those living in German-speaking countries and Rotfuss for those living in Austria. Overall, the variants, spellings and surnames derived from Rotfuchs show an interesting view into the evolution of language and how surnames have changed and adapted over time.
Famous people with the name Rotfuchs
- Tobias Rotfuchs: A German actor best known for appearing in the film Love in Thoughts.
- Karl Rotfuchs: One of the world's foremost scientists and engineers, known for helping develop the first hydrogen bomb.
- Hermann Rotfuchs: An Austrian-German theologian, scholar, and writer. He is known for his works on the historical Jesus.
- Andrea Rotfuchs: A German television presenter and actress, best known for her work on the television series Die Alm.
- Frank Rotfuchs: A multi-instrumentalist and composer, who has released several albums, solo and with his band.
- Werner Rotfuchs: A German philosopher and professor emeritus at the Center for Philosophy and Ethics of Science at the University of Freiburg.
- Johann Rotfuchs: A German neurologist who is best known for his theories on the treatment of epilepsy.
- Magda Rotfuchs: An Austrian-German author and poet who was an integral part of the German Expressionist literary movement.
- Josef Rotfuchs: A German film director who worked in the 1940s and 1950s. He is best remembered for his drama films.
- Johann Rotfuchs: A German painter and printmaker who was known for his realism and detailed cityscapes.