Surname Rothfuss - Meaning and Origin

Rothfuss: What does the surname Rothfuss mean?

Rothfuss is a German surname derived from the Middle High German "rot" meaning "red" and "fuss" meaning "foot". It is believed to have originally been a nickname given to someone who had red hair or red feet, likely indicating that they were an easily-recognizable individual.

The surname is most concentrated in geographical regions of eastern Austria and southern Germany. In Austria, Rothfuss is the 266th most common name, and in Germany – the 587th most popular surname.

The name can also be found in Scandinavian countries, such as Denmark and Sweden, as well as in some Central and Eastern European countries. It is speculated that this may have stemmed from the large number of German immigrants to these regions during the 19th century.

The surname is also quite common in the United States, largely stemming from immigrants who arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Pronounced with a soft TH sound, the name conjures an immediate feeling of nobility and grandeur. It is a classic name with longevity, with many generations of families having proudly borne the name.

Ultimately, the name Rothfuss is a reflection of a person’s strength of character, integrity, and honour. Its bearer is often viewed as a distinguished and trustworthy figure with a natural command and confidence in their decisions.

Rothfuss: Where does the name Rothfuss come from?

The last name Rothfuss is most common today in Germany and in German-speaking parts of Europe. It is a fairly common last name that has its roots in the medieval period of Europe.

Rothfuss is thought to be based off an Old High German term for ‘red’, and it is likely derived from personal names beginning with the element ‘hrot’ which often indicated someone with a red complexion. It is believed that the first people with the last name Rothfuss were living in Germany and Austria centuries ago.

Presently, the last name Rothfuss is most commonly found in Germany where there are reportedly about 6,000 people with this surname. In Austria, too, there are approximately 2,000 people who share this last name. Beyond Germany and Austria, the surname can also be found in Switzerland, the UK, the US and Israel.

Likely due to the influence of many German immigrants who moved all over the world, people with this last name can also be found in many other countries such as Canada, Russia, France, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, South Africa and many more.

Overall, the last name Rothfuss has a rich history that dates back centuries, and today it can be found in many countries across the globe, with the highest concentration living in Germany and Austria.

Variations of the surname Rothfuss

The surname Rothfuss is a German and Jewish (Ashkenazic) name meaning "counsel of the house" from Middle High German rōt ‘advice’ + fuoz ‘house.’ Variants and spellings vary greatly depending on dialect and origin, but some of the more common spellings include Rotfuss, Rodfuss, Ruthefus, Rofus, Rothfus, Rothfuss, Rothefuss, Rothaphus, Rauthfuss, Rickfuss, Rasfus and Rofuss.

Variants of Rothfuss from other dialects and nationalities include Reuthfuss in Bavaria, Rothefuß in Thuringia, Reisdorf in Austria, Rauffus in Switzerland, Rothfuse in Scotland and England, Rothpaus in France, and Rothebus in Russia. In the United States many variants and transcriptions of the name Rothfuss have been recorded, including Rotfaus, Ruthefaus, Rothpous, Rotefuss, Rothefus, and Roofus.

Variations of the surname Rothfuss exist in other countries and languages, such as Italian, Dutch, and Spanish. In Italy, some variations of the surname include Reifuss, Rutciff, and Refuss. In Dutch, some variants include Rotfus, Rotbus, and Rothbus. Spanish surnames associated with Rothfuss include Rofuto, Rotfusso, and Retfuss.

Famous people with the name Rothfuss

• Patrick Rothfuss: Patrick is a bestselling American writer best known for his fantasy series, The Kingkiller Chronicle.
• Lee Rothfuss: Lee is a Wisconsin-based sculptor and public artist specializing in large-scale outdoor sculptures.
• Richard Rothfuss: Richard is an American classical pianist and former college professor.
• Brian Rothfuss: Brian is an American television and movie actor who has starred in a variety of productions, including Once Upon a Time, Nashville, and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
• Joe Rothfuss: Joe is a professional wrestler from Wisconsin currently competing on the independent circuit.
• Paul Rothfuss: Paul is an American photographer and musician best known for his documentary-style photographs.
• Wendy Rothfuss: Wendy is an executive in the gaming industry, having worked as the senior vice president of Monumental Network in Washington, D.C.
• Johann Rothfuss: Johann was an 18th century German musician and composer who wrote a variety of vocal and instrumental works.
• Robert Rothfuss: Robert is an American film and television producer, having worked on projects such as Coach, Family Ties, and Cop Rock.
• Samuel Rothfuss: Samuel is a personal injury lawyer in the state of Maryland, specializing in motor vehicle accidents.

Other surnames

RothfuchsRothfuhs