Surname Rasper - Meaning and Origin

Rasper: What does the surname Rasper mean?

The last name Rasper is of German origin and likely derived from the Middle High German word “raspen” or “rasper,” which means “to scrape.” It is most likely a surname given to those of an agricultural background, indicating that the ancestors of the family were primarily involved in farming and crop production.

Alternatively, the name may originate from the Middle High German word “raspel,” which means “grater” or “curler.” This suggests that the ancestors of those bearing the Rasper surname were likely employed in textile manufacture and other activities involving the shaping and cutting of fabric.

The name can also be linked to the Latin word “radere,” which means “to scrape or shave.” This further suggests that individuals bearing the Rasper last name were likely employed in roles involving barbering and weaving.

Throughout the centuries, the surname has changed in spelling and meaning, yet retained the same root words of “scrape” or “shave.” In many instances, its spelling changed depending on what country the family had moved to.

Today, the Rasper surname is common in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe. The most common variations are Rasper, Raspers, Rapser, Rapaer, Rapper, and Rappeyer. No matter the spelling, the core meaning of the name is retained: one who scrapes, shaves, or grates.

Rasper: Where does the name Rasper come from?

The last name Rasper is found today mainly in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. In Germany, Rasper is a fairly common name, typically found in the western parts of the country.

In Austria, Rasper is more rare, only appearing in small amounts around Vienna and southern Austrian towns. In the Czech Republic, Rasper can be found mainly in the west.

Rasper is believed to come from the middle rhine German word “raspe”, which means “ditch” or “furrow”, and may indicate an agricultural background. It is also thought to be an occupational surname, as some variations, such as Rasperger or Rasperg, suggest that the family members were cloth merchants or dye makers.

Rasper is also found in America, Australia and other parts of the world due to immigration from Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. The number of individuals with the name Rasper is quite small, but a wide variety of other spellings exist, including but not limited to: Rausperger, Rosperger, Roessler, Raesperger, Raesperg, Ronczyk, Raespers and Rosper.

Variations of the surname Rasper

Rasper is a surname with German and Dutch origins. It is derived from the Middle High German occupational name Rasper, which meant “comb maker” or “sieve maker”. It may also be derived from the Middle High German word raspe, meaning “to prune, to thresh”.

Variants or alternative spellings of the surname Rasper include Raspel, Rasp, Raspe, Raps, Raisper, Raspa, Raspie, and Raesp.

Surnames of the same origin as Rasper include Raasch, Raaschou, Rasch, Raschke, Raisch, Raischer, Reisch, Rasche, Risseeuw, Raschkow, Raisich, Raischke, Raischer, Rascher, and Reschke.

The variations in spelling indicate the displacement of the family throughout history, as the spelling shifted to fit the phonetic norms of different regions. This surname, as well as its variants and other surnames of the same origin, has spread throughout Europe and North America, meaning that it is now found in many countries across the world.

Famous people with the name Rasper

• Ryan Rasper: A professional soccer player who began his career in the United States, and is currently playing in the USL Championship.
• Paul Rasper: A former American public official who served as the secretary of energy for the Republic of Palau from 1998 to 2003.
• Daniel Rasper: An American actor who has worked on stage, television, and in film. He is best known for his roles in films such as Brightburn and Don’t Knows Choice.
• Stephen Rasper: A former senator who represented California’s 20th district from 1977 to 1982.
• Keith Rasper: A former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) and the World Hockey Association (WHA).
• Mark Rasper: A professional poker player who has won multiple tournaments and has had numerous cash finishes in major live events.
• Brandon Rasper: An American television director and producer who has directed and produced shows such as Criminal Minds and Family Guy.
• William Rasper: An American doctor and businessman who has served in various medical roles and was appointed as a member of the Board of Governors of the American Red Cross in 2011.
• Ronald Rasper: A United States Army soldier who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War in 1969.
• Leif Rasper: An American comedian and actor best known for his work on the sketch comedy show The State.

Other surnames

Raspe