Surname Rolwes - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Rolwes: What does the surname Rolwes mean?
The last name Rolwes is an anglicized German name derived from the given name Rudolph or Rudolf. The original form of the name in German was “Rudolfs”, meaning “famed wolf”. Subsequently, the “s” was dropped and the name became “Rudolf”, eventually becoming “Rolwes” in English.
Rolwes was originally a personal name, given to males in Germany who were deemed brave and noble hunters. This association can be seen in the modern day version of the name, as the “Rol” part of the name implies a “famed” individual, while the “wes” part is derived from the Germanic word “wolf”.
Throughout the centuries, the surname Rolwes has been found throughout Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, England, and the United States. It can also be found in records of other countries, such as Denmark, Iceland, and Ireland.
In the United States, the name is widely found in areas with German diaspora communities, such as Pennsylvania and Minnesota. There are many variations of the name, including Ralwes, Rawles, Rolles, Roland, Rolland, Rowls, Rudolff, and Ruedel.
No matter the spelling, the name Rolwes is an incredibly ancient name, beginning in Germany and being carried down through many different countries and centuries. To have this name is to have a proud and unique heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisRolwes: Where does the name Rolwes come from?
The last name Rolwes is most commonly found in parts of the United States, including the Midwest, the Mid-Atlantic and some parts of the Northeast. The highest concentrations are found in Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin. The name is also found in parts of the United Kingdom, particularly England, as well as in Germany, Canada, Brazil and France.
The origin of the Rolwes name is disputed, but the most likely explanation is that it is either a German or Dutch name that was brought over to the U.S. by immigrants in the 1700’s and 1800’s. It is thought to be derived from the German or Dutch words “rolle” or “rul”, meaning a rowing oar or paddle. The earliest known record of the name dates back to 1751 in Maryland.
The Rolwes family is well represented in the Midwest today and is a prominent family name in many towns across the United States. Rolwes can be found represented in a variety of professional fields, such as business, medicine, technology and law. There are many organizations and businesses that bear the Rolwes name, as well as many landmarks, such as a historical site in St. Louis.
In addition to the U.S., the Rolwes last name has a presence in England, Germany, Canada, Brazil and France. It is estimated that there are around 20,000 people with this name in the world today.
Variations of the surname Rolwes
The surname Rolwes is of German origin. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for Rolwes are Rollwes, Rollwas, Rowlas, Rolles, Rollesen, Rolloff, Rollhoff, Rollheuser, Rollhaus, and Rollhausen.
Rolloff is a variant of Rolwes that developed from the German language. It is derived from the word "Rolle" which means "wheel". Originally, the family likely worked in caste related to wheel making that caused them to develop the surname.
Rolles is a variant form of Rolwes that originated in northern Germany. The root of this surname is the old German word "rolle", which means "wheel". It was likely originally an occupational surname for a wheel maker or wheelwright.
Rollheuser is also a variant of Rolwes that developed in Germany. It is derived from the Germanic root "Rolle", which means "wheel". This surname was likely originally a nickname for a wheelwright or someone who worked with wheels.
Rollhaus is another variant form of the German Rolwes surname. It is derived from the Germanic root "Rolle", which means "wheel". It is likely an occupational name for a wheelwright or someone who made wheels.
Rollhausen is another form of Rolwes that developed in Germany. It is a combination of the Germanic root "Rolle", which means "wheel", and "hausen" which means "house". This surname likely originally referred to an inhabitant of a house that made or used wheels.
Finally, Rollwas is a variant of the German Rolwes that developed in central Germany. It is derived from the Germanic word "rollen", which means "to roll". It was likely an occupational name for someone who worked with wheels or who made or used them in some way.
Famous people with the name Rolwes
- Ryan Rolwes: Ryan is an American actor and filmmaker who appeared on the American version of Whose Line Is It Anyway? and is best known for his roles across various networks including ABC, CBS, MTV, NBC, and Nickelodeon.
- Michelle Rolwes: Michelle is an American stage, television, and film actress, and is best recognized for her roles in the movies Hart's War and Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.
- Bill Rolwes: Bill is an American sportscaster who is best known for being the long-time play-by-play announcer for the St. Louis Cardinals on Fox Sports Midwest.
- Jeff Rolwes: Jeff is a fashion designer from California and the co-creator of the fitness clothing line 2XU.
- Seth Rolwes: Seth is an American writer and emeritus Professor of English and American Studies at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. His books include Nebraskans in turmoil: A documentary history of nineteenth-century Nebraska.
- Stephen Rolwes: Stephen is an American classicist and Latinist who is the William W. Cook Endowed Professor of Classics at the University of Michigan. He is the author of many works including the award-winning volume Roman Stonecutters.
- Stuart Rolwes: Stuart is an American composer and pianist who has composed concerts, chamber music, and operas. His works have been performed in venues across the United States, Europe, and South America.
- Dave Rolwes: Dave is an American theatre director, actor, and producer who is the founding artistic director of the Charlotte Repertory Theatre.
- Eric Rolwes: Eric is a German writer and journalist who has written extensively on the history of World War II and Germany, as well as its effect on politics and culture.
- Monica Rolwes: Monica is an American celebrity, former model, and television host who is best known for her appearances on Extra and Conan.