Surname Roell - Meaning and Origin
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Roell: What does the surname Roell mean?
The surname Roell originates from Europe, particularly from the Netherlands and Germany. It is derived from the Middle Low German 'rolle', which means 'role' or 'rank'. In the Middle Ages, it was typically used as an occupational name for a person who held a position or rank within a guild, municipality, or other organization. Therefore, the surname Roell can be understood as referring to someone with a specific role or task within their community. It is also important to note that the interpretation of the surname can vary based on geographical location and historical context.
Order DNA origin analysisRoell: Where does the name Roell come from?
The last name Roell is generally considered to be of German origin and is mostly found in Germany today. It is also present in the United States, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, and other countries that had large migrations from the German-speaking regions of Europe.
Roell is a fairly uncommon name and is considered a rare surname according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The 2000 U.S. census reported only 115 people with the last name Roell. A search of Germany's telephone directory reveals only 47 people with the name Roell.
The most popular spelling of the Roell surname appears to be Röll. Some other variants of Roell include Röhl, Reyll, Roohle, Roll, Roehl, and Raoel.
The origin of the Roell surname has been subject to debate over the years. Some family history research suggests that the German surname Röhl likely became Röell via a phonetic evolution of the original name. The prefix "Ro" is also believed to have been added to the name as a German form of nicknaming.
The earliest known reference to the Roell surname dates back to 1304 when a Johannes de Ruell was recorded in the medieval archives of Zürich, Switzerland. This record indicates that the name was already in existence in Switzerland as early as the 14th century.
While the last name Roell is not particularly common, its presence in many areas of the world alludes to an interesting history behind the family. The origin of the name is sure to remain a mystery, however, it is clear that the Roell family is one with a long and unique history.
Variations of the surname Roell
The surname Roell is of German origin and originated from the Middle High German word ‘rol’, meaning ‘wheel’. This name most likely emerged from a nickname given to an early ancestor due to some attribute that was deemed to be wheel-like, such as strength.
The variants of Roell include: Röhl, Rohl, Rohll, Röll, Roll, Rolle, Rohle, and Roelle.
The most common spelling of the surname is Roell, but there are also lesser-used spellings such as Röell, Roël, Rölle, Rüll, Ruoll, Röhlle, and Roel.
The surnames of similar origin to Roell include: Räul, Röllich, Röllig, Rölke, Rölisch, Rüll, Rühl, and Röhlke.
The names of similar origin to Roell are often found in the same geographical region, or amongst people who share common ancestors. For example, many Röhl, Rohl, and Rohlle families have moved to the United States from Germany.
Roell is a relatively uncommon surname, although there are many individuals bearing the name in Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, South Africa, Denmark, and Sweden.
Famous people with the name Roell
- Maya Roell: German competitive figure skater and two time Youth Olympic Champion.
- Karsten Roell: German born entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist.
- David Roell: American actor best known for his roles in films such as Dead Man Walking and Bring It On: All or Nothing.
- Henri Roell: a 19th century French artist who specialized in portraits and history paintings.
- Julius Roell: Former professional cyclist who competed in the Tour de France in the late 1800s.
- Piet Roell: Dutch Olympic long jumper who represented his country at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm.
- Charles Roell: U.S. Representative from Wisconsin who served in the House from 1891 to 1895.
- Carl Roell: American engineer of German descent; a founding member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
- Adolf Roell: German painter known for his evocative landscapes and landscapes depicting rural life.
- Richard Roell: Award-winning aeronautical engineer who earned recognition for his contributions to general aviation.