Surname Routh - Meaning and Origin

Routh: What does the surname Routh mean?

The surname Routh is of English origin, derived from the Old Norse word "ruð," which means "a clearing." It is believed to be a geographical or topographical name, given to people who lived in or near a clearing within a wood or forest. Thus, the name Routh essentially means "dweller at the clearing." The surname first surfaced in Yorkshire, where the Routh family held a family seat since ancient times. It is also noted that this surname has several variants including Routhier, Ruth, and Routhie among others. Many English surnames have their roots in the Middle Ages, and Routh is one such name that reflects the occupation or residence of the original bearer, painting a vivid picture of the society they lived in.

Routh: Where does the name Routh come from?

The surname Routh is mainly found in England and its former colonies. Today, records show that it is one of the most commonly occurring surnames in the United States, particularly in the Midwest. The highest concentrations of Rouths can be found in Ohio and Indiana, and their numbers remain quite strong in these states. Additionally, a significant number of those with the last name Routh live in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Wisconsin, Michigan and New York.

A lesser known fact is that there are also quite a few Rouths in Canada, largely due to their military and emigration history. In terms of Europe, the name first emerged in East Anglia, England, and this is likely to be its geographic origin. There is a village in Norfolk, England, called Routh, which could have been the source of many people with the Routh surname.

Overall, the surname Routh is fairly common today, particularly in the United States and in its former colonies. With many Rouths in the US, Europe, and Canada, the surname’s presence is both widespread and strong.

Variations of the surname Routh

The surname Routh, or the variants Ruth, Routh, and Ruthe are of Anglo-Saxon, English, and German origin. The name is derived from the personal name "Robert," meaning "one who is famous for being brilliant." The original spelling of the name was Ruthe. It was derived from the Old Norse ‘ruð’ or Old German ‘ruod’, both meaning "famous, brilliant, shining."

Variants include Root, Roots, Rood, Rowe, and Rudolph. These variants may appear with single or double t's, as well as Rutha and Ruthe.

Routh is its most common form and is found in England. It is relatively rare in Scotland, but found in Central and Eastern Europe as a variant.

Roots, Root, and Rood are all found in the U.S., primarily in the South and Midwest. They are Anglicized forms of Ruth or Routh, found in early English censuses. They are most frequently found in areas of colonial settlement.

Rowe is another variant. It is derived from the Old English ‘hroda’, meaning "clever or wise". This variant is primarily found in the southeastern U.S., in areas such as Virginia and Kentucky.

Rudolph is an alternate spelling of the variant Routh. It is a German-derived name, originally found in Bavaria, and has frequently been used as a family name in Germany, Austria, and Czechoslovakia.

The surname Routh is related to the surname Rothe, which is found in Germany and Austria. This variant is most likely derived from the Old German ‘rudigo’, meaning "notorious".

Famous people with the name Routh

• Brandon Routh: An American actor and former model, Brandon Routh is best known for playing Superman in the 2006 movie Superman Returns.
• K. C. Routh: K.C.Routh is a YouTube comedian who films prank videos with his friends and family, which have gained millions of views.
• Laura Routh: Laura Routh is a British actress who is best known for playing the role of Julie in the popular British TV show Skins.
• Christopher Routh: Christopher Routh is an American film producer best known for producing such films as The Skeleton Key and I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry.
• Seth Routh: Seth Routh is a professional surfer from Florida who is sponsored by O'Neill Wetsuits.
• Amy Routh: Amy Routh is a British actress best known for appearing in British TV shows such as Coronation Street and Doctors.
• Stephen Routh: Stephen Routh is an American-born singer, songwriter, and musician best known for his folk-infused work in the indie-rock genre.
• Collette Routh: Collette Routh is an American figure skater who competed in the 1994 Olympics and won a bronze medal.
• Jaime Routh: Jaime Routh is an American professional golfer who has won several tournaments at the amateur level.
• Bethany Routh: Bethany Routh is a British artist who is most known for creating large-scale abstract collages from newspaper clippings.

Other surnames

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