Surname Roff - Meaning and Origin
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Roff: What does the surname Roff mean?
The last name Roff is of Anglo-Saxon origin and its roots can be traced back to the old English personal name Rolf, which was quite popular during the Middle Ages. The name Rolf itself is derived from the old Norse name Hrolfr, which means "famous wolf" or "renown wolf".
The surname Roff evolved as a patronymic name, where the suffix "son" got dropped over time and the name transformed into Roff. Hence, it can signify someone who is a "descendant of Rolf".
Additionally, like many surnames of the time, Roff could also have been a locational surname given to people who lived in places like Roffey (Sussex), Rolvenden (Kent), or Rollestone (Wiltshire).
Given the phonetic similarities, it may also be connected to similar surnames like Ruff or Rolfe.
As with many surnames, the meaning and origins can vary widely depending on the geographic location and cultural context. Therefore, tracing the precise lineage of the name Roff could require historical and genealogical study.
In conclusion, the last name Roff primarily signifies a relation to the given name Rolf and through it, represents strength or capacity for leadership, given the meaning of "famous wolf".
Order DNA origin analysisRoff: Where does the name Roff come from?
The surname Roff originates from England. It is derived from the Old English pre-7th Century personal name "Hrothulf", from a compound of the elements "hrothi", meaning fame, and "wulf", which means wolf. It is believed to have been transformed into Roff over time through various dialects and phonetic renderings. It may also have arrived due to the gradual loss of pre-medieval diminutive suffixes such as "-kin" and "-cock", resulting in forms like Rolf, Rolfe, and Roff.
Historically, the Roff surname was most prevalent in Essex, England. The first recorded spelling of the family name can be traced back to the year 1199 when a certain Osbert Rolf was mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of Essex during the reign of King Richard I.
Today, the Roff surname is common in several English-speaking countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. However, its highest concentration remains in England, with a significant number in Australia as well. Despite its origins in England, the surname Roff is quite rare in comparison to other English surnames.
Variations of the surname Roff
The surname Roff has various spellings which could have been altered over centuries based on phonetics, regional dialects, and translations. Some of the common variants and similar surnames include Roffe, Roffey, Roffee, and Rouff. Lineages with a similar origin may also bear the names Rolph or Rolfe, which are believed to derive from the Old Scandinavian personal name "Hrolf," which later evolved into "Rolf" in Old German. In certain regions, Roff could be confused or interchanged with Rolf or Rolff.
There are also variants that feature additional letters or prefixes/suffixes such as Rauff, Roffman, or Roffson. In some cultural contexts, surnames were extended with "-son" or "-man" to signify descent or occupation. Derivatives that elaborate on the Roff base might include Roffington or Roffield, where "ington" and "field" denote geographical attributes.
Surnames sometimes change substantially when translated into different languages. Roef, in Dutch, for instance, could be a possible interpretation. It's important to note that identification and correlation of surnames should consider geographical origins, language, historical events and population migration.
Famous people with the name Roff
- Justin Roff: An Australian musician and member of the popular folk band, Husk.
- Sara Jean Underwood Roff: While her maiden name is Underwood, Sara Jean is a famous American model, television host, and actress. She was the 2007 Playmate of the Year for Playboy magazine.
- Helen Roff: An Australian politician who served as the Mayor of Townsville.
- Richard Roff: A British former cricketer who played for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. Please note that some of these individuals may not be widely recognized globally, as fame can often be regional or within specific fields or industries.