Surname Rohwer - Meaning and Origin
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Rohwer: What does the surname Rohwer mean?
The last name Rohwer is derived from the German language and has a few different possible origins and meanings. The name can be traced back to the Old Germanic element "reud" meaning "fame" or "renown". It can also originate from the name Ruder, meaning "rower", an occupational name for someone who operated a boat. The modern Germanic meaning of the name is thought to be "rawer", or "one who hunt with a bow and arrow".
The Rohwer surname is found in Germany, North America, Scandinavia, and Eastern and Central Europe. During World War II, there was a large German internment camp named Rohwer in Arkansas, which was established to incarcerate those of Japanese descent who had been living in the US at the time.
Rohwer is also the surname of a well-known South African tennis player and coach, Neil Rohwer. During his long career, Neil represented South Africa in the Davis Cup and was a regular participant in the South African tennis championships from the 1960s through to the 2000s.
Overall, Rohwer is an ancient and widely-distributed name which has a few different possible meanings and origins. As it is a prominent surname in some countries, the family can easily be identified and traced over time.
Order DNA origin analysisRohwer: Where does the name Rohwer come from?
The last name Rohwer is most commonly seen in areas of Northwest Germany, particularly in Oldenburg and Lower Saxony. It is also seen in the Netherlands, especially in Friesland and Groningen. The name may have originated from Oldenburg or other areas around the North Sea, such as the Netherlands, but its true origin is unknown.
In America, the name is much more rare, but still can be found in states including Iowa, Nebraska, and other Midwest states. This coincides with the large population of German immigrants that settled in the Midwest in the 19th century. Rohwer families are also seen in California as well as on the east coast, but in lesser numbers.
The most common variation of the Rohwer name in America is Rawer, likely due to an Americanization of the spelling. This name can still be seen primarily in areas of heavy German settlement, such as rural towns in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Minnesota.
Overall, the name Rohwer seems to be more popular in Northwest Germany and the Netherlands than in the United States. However, there is still a presence of Rohwer families throughout America.
Variations of the surname Rohwer
The surname Rohwer is widely accepted to be of German origin, and has several related spellings and surnames associated with it. Common alternative forms of the surname include Rohr, Rohrer, Rorrer and Rorer. Various other variations that are considered to be of the same origin include Rohrbach, Rohrbacher, Rohrmeyer, and Rorhmann.
The surname is believed to have been derived from the German word ‘rohr’, meaning 'pipe' or 'tube.' Therefore, the surname can be interpreted as someone who is an expert with pipes or tubs, such as a plumber. This would explain the various related surnames, such as Rohrbach which is said to mean someone who is from a 'pipe-like' stream, and Rohrmann which translates to 'pipe man.'
Other related surnames include Reinhart, based on the Middle High German-original of the name, Reinerherter, which is likely derived from the phrase ‘reint harter’ literally meaning 'strong rein'. It is also possible that the surname could have derived from a habitational name, such as Rohrunge, a small area in Austria.
The various spellings are indicative of the variations which occur when records of a family are kept. Over time, names are able to slightly change and evolve, yet still be connected to a single lineage. The various surnames related to Rohwer are evidence of this connection and the family’s history.
Famous people with the name Rohwer
- Eric Rohwer: Professional ice hockey goaltender, playing mostly in the minor leagues.
- Ed Rohwer: Silent Film actor noted for roles in 14 pictures between 1915 and 1923.
- Carl Rohwer: Former basketball player for the Harlem Globetrotters.
- Floirendo J. Rohwer: World War II veteran and recipient of the Bronze Star.
- Karl Rohwer: Bohemian-Austrian American conductor and composer.
- Joe Rohwer: Professional billiards player who was the top American at the 1897 World Championships.
- Walter C. Rohwer: American naval officer who in 1942 served as a commander with the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
- Richard Rohwer: former ski jumper who won the first Olympic Gold Medal for ski jumping at the 1924 Winter Olympics.
- Don Rohwer: Former United States Air Force Colonel and manager of the Apollo project.
- Robert Rohwer: American actor and producer who has appeared in the television series “Lost” and “Dexter”.