Surname Roelle - Meaning and Origin
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Roelle: What does the surname Roelle mean?
The last name Roelle is an uncommon surname, believed to be of French origin. It is most commonly found in the Midi-Pyrénées region of France.
The earliest documented records of the Roelle surname date back to 1702, when a Pierre Roelle was recorded in the French census. Interestingly, variants of the name can also be found in Switzerland, and records suggest that the Roelle family likely originated from a region that straddled both countries.
The meaning of the Roelle name remains unclear. However, some experts believe that it may be derived from the Latin word roa, meaning ‘run’ or ‘flow’ – potentially suggesting a link to rivers or water sources. Others believe it may be derived from the French word roer, meaning ‘excavate’ or ‘dig’, and could be a nod to early ancestors who were adept at manual labour.
What is certain is that, regardless of its origins, the Roelle surname has been carried down through hundreds of years. Bearers of the name can take pride in knowing that their ancestors were part of a proud lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisRoelle: Where does the name Roelle come from?
The last name Roelle is most common today in Germany, with a 2015 census finding that roughly 1,400 German citizens bear the name. It is also ever so slightly more common in North America, where small populations can be found in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In the United States, Roelle is especially prominent in states such as Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, where it is found in Fond du Lac and Milwaukee counties.
The surname likely originated in the Holy Roman Empire, beginning in the area known as Thuringia, later a part of the German state of Thuringia, which is located in modern-day Central Germany. Records of the use of the last name Roelle have been found in Germany dating back to the 15th century.
Various historical records have also found the name in other parts of Northern Europe, such as France and Scandinavia. It is not common in these areas, however, and is largely a German last name.
The etymology of the name has been the source of some speculation. While there is no consensus, many historians believe it may be derived from the Old High German word 'rola', which means 'wheel' or 'ring'. This suggests the name dates back to a family of craftsmen associated with working with or manufacturing wheels.
Given its origins, todays Roelle family members can trace their roots back to a long line of skilled artisans and craftsmen who made their living through the manufacture of such items such as carriage wheels.
Variations of the surname Roelle
The surname Roelle has several variants, spellings, and surnames with the same origin. The French form, Roëlles, and the Dutch forms, Röell, Röelles, and Rölle, are most common in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Roeles, Roel, Roels, Roell, and Roelen are other Dutch forms, while Roelle, Roelli, Roelis, Roelles, and Roelofs are all German variants. In addition, Roullé, Roullées, Roulées, Rouëles, Rouëles, and Rouëlle are French forms of the name.
In Scotland, the Rolle surname is derived from the Norman French Roullé family. Surnames derived from Roelle that are seen in other parts of the world include Rahal, Roll, Ruhl, Ruelle, and even the Scandinavian root of Rull, Röhl, Rölle, Rörell, Röell, and Roll.
Additionally, scholars speculate the name Roelle has a Jewish origin, which could also explain its global prevalence. The Latin form of the surname Razorius is derived from an old Latin word meaning "razor" or "edge" and could have also been altered over time to become Roelle.
Regardless of its origin, the surname Roelle has been used throughout Europe and the world for centuries. It is not only a popular choice in France and the Netherlands, but it is also a common name in Germany, Scotland, and even other parts of the world.
Famous people with the name Roelle
- Kristin Roelle: An American screenwriter, director, and editor.
- Nate Roelle: An American former professional football player.
- Jennifer Roelle: An American psychologist and author.
- Christine Roelle: An Austrian film editor and sound designer.
- Akila Roelle: An American celebrity makeup artist.
- Anthony Roelle: An American former professional baseball pitcher.
- Jarrett Roelle: An American professional ice hockey player.
- Carrie Roelle: An American professional ice hockey player.
- Alistair Ross Roelle: An English former professional footballer.
- Cody Roelle: An American professional ice hockey player.
- Marc Roelle: A German ski jumper who competed in the early 2000s.
- Claire Roelle: An American professional beach volleyball player.
- Joseph Roelle: An American music producer, writer, and arranger.
- Kylene Roelle: An American voiceover artist.
- Robert Roelle: An American actor, director, and producer.
- Jens Roelle: A German Former alpine skier.
- Galen Roelle: An American travel photographer and entrepreneur.
- David Roelle: An American film producer, director, and editor.
- Raven Roelle: An American Mysteries/Fiction writer.
- Carsten Roelle: A German former handball player who competed for East Germany at the 1988 Summer Olympics.