Surname Röttges - Meaning and Origin
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Röttges: What does the surname Röttges mean?
The last name Röttges is a German surname which originated in the Middle Ages. It is derived from the German word "Röttge" meaning red-haired person. The last name was initially used as a nickname to distinguish individuals with a distinct red-haired or ginger complexion. During the medieval era, towns and regions were often identified by the color of their hair and so the name evolved as a family name.
The last name Röttges is an ancient name that was once popular in Germany and is still common in some areas today. In Germany, the name is most common in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. It is also found in Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
In most cases, the last name is spelled as Röttges. However, it can also be spelled as Rotges, Roetges, Rotge, Rutge, Roettge, and many other variations.
Despite being an ancient name, Röttges remains an unusual and distinct name. Its origin and meaning is unique, and the ancient usage of the name continues to intrigue people.
Order DNA origin analysisRöttges: Where does the name Röttges come from?
The last name Röttges is most commonly found in Germany. The surname is derived from the German word "Rott" meaning root. According to the World Names PublicProfiler, the last name Röttges is most prevalent in the North Rhine Westphalia and Lower Saxony regions of Germany, but can also be found in other areas of the country like Bavaria, Thuringia, and Saxony-Anhalt.
The alternative spelling “Röttgen” is also known to be popular in Germany. Röttgen is actually the more traditional spelling, but over the years the spelling has changed to Röttges. As German immigrants made their way to America, the last name has spread across the ocean and can now be found in other areas of the world such as the United States.
The last name is still very much in use today. The name can be found on various social media sites and digital databases today. In fact, it is estimated to be the 76th most common last name in Germany with over 10,000 people currently bearing this last name. As many people of this surname continue to live all around the world, the modern-day Röttges retains their long-lasting German roots.
Variations of the surname Röttges
The surname Röttges is a German patronage surname which derives from the Middle High Germans (MHG) given name Rütger or Rudger. It is a variation of the name Roger, the Old German and Old French version of Rodger. It is a compound name composed of the Old High German elements 'hruod', which translates to 'fame' or 'glory', and 'geri', which usually denotes a spear. As such, it is likely that Röttges originally signified “famed spearman” or “glory spearman”.
Variations and spellings of the name Röttges include the following German-language forms: Rödiges, Rödges, Röttes, Rothges, Rottges, Ruttges, and Rudiges. The German patronymic root has also been translated into a variety of other surnames, such as Ruud, Rudd, Ruddle, Ruddell, Ruddick, and Rudel. The surname may also be transliterated into other languages, such as Dutch, to become Roodgees or Rotgé.
In terms of variation, there are many alternative forms of the surname Röttges. It may be noted that if a person of German ancestry holding the surname emigrates to another country, the name may remain the same or be anglicized. Similarly, Röttges may take on a variety of spellings in a different language, like Dutch.
Famous people with the name Röttges
- Fabian Röttges: German football defender who currently plays for FC Köln.
- Sebastian Röttges: Austrian biathlete who represented his country at both the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics.
- Verena Röttges: German swimmer who won a bronze medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
- Jakob Röttges: German footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for 1. FC Köln.
- Birgit Röttges: German sprint canoer who won four medals at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships in the K-4 500 m event.
- Hermann Röttges: German painter and illustrator, best known for his romantic landscape scenes.
- Michael Röttges: German hurdler who won a silver medal in the 4 x 400 m relay at the 1991 World Championships in Athletics.
- Heinz Röttges: German politician of the Free Democratic Party and a former member of the German parliament, the Bundestag.
- Christine Röttges: German biathlete who competed at the 2016 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
- Johannes Röttges: German equestrian and showjumping rider who won the bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.