Surname Rotscheidt - Meaning and Origin

Rotscheidt: What does the surname Rotscheidt mean?

The last name Rotscheidt is of German origin and has multiple possible meanings. It could be derived from the German word “rotsche” which translates to “red” and “heidt” meaning “condition” or “state.” Thus, the name could mean “in a red state” or a “red condition” which could symbolize danger. In this case, it could be referring to danger of any kind – physical danger, danger of discovery, or the danger of failure.

Alternatively, Rotscheidt could be a combination of two words: “rots” meaning “red” and “schiedt” meaning “judge.” This transformation of the letter “c” to a “sch” is a common German dialect variation. Thus, Rotscheidt could refer to a “red judge” or someone who’s the judge or arbiter for a conflict or dispute. This interpretation could be figurative or literal – referring to a judge easily angered or with a quick temper, or someone who is tasked with judging a situation.

Finally, Rotscheidt may be a combination of “rot” meaning “red” and “scheid” meaning “divide” or segregation. This interpretation could indicate either a physical split such as a dividing line, or a figurative split such as a difference of opinion between two parties or sides.

Rotscheidt: Where does the name Rotscheidt come from?

The Rotscheidt surname is most commonly found in Germany today. Records from the German census of 1987 list the highest concentration of Rotscheidt's by far in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Specifically, the towns of Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Aachen have the largest population of Rotscheidt's. Moreover, records show that in the town of Bielefeld, some 360 Rotscheidt's were living there in the late 1980s.

In addition to Germany, Rotscheidts were also known to live in Alsace, France, in the mid-1800s. More recently, the Rotscheidt surname is found in many parts of the United States. According to the 1990 census, Rotscheidt's were living in California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New York, and Texas.

The Rotscheidt surname is believed to have been first used in Germany's Saxony region in the early 1700s. This region is now part of the German state of Saxony-Anhalt and is located near the eastern border of the country. It is likely the name was derived from the German word rot, which translates as "red," and scheidt or "judge." Thus, the name Rotscheidt could mean "red judge."

Today, the Rotscheidt surname continues to be a German surname, but is found sporadically throughout Europe and the United States as well. Regardless of where they live, those who bear the Rotscheidt name can be proud to trace their roots all the way back to the 1700s.

Variations of the surname Rotscheidt

The Rotscheidt surname has various variants including Rotshaidt, Rotscheit, Rotsheidt, Rothsheet, Rotscheerd, and Ratschiedt. All of these spellings are alterations of the German word "Rautschiidt", which means "red shelter".

Rotscheit: This spelling is more commonly seen in Low German-speaking areas of Germany, or in the neighboring Netherlands.

Rotshaidt: This variant is often seen spelled together, although it is sometimes separated into two words as Rot Shaidt.

Rotscheerd: This spelling is most commonly found in the southern Netherlands, as well as in northern Germany.

Rothsheet: This variant is commonly seen in areas in which German is spoken, primarily throughout Europe.

Ratschiedt: This spelling is most commonly seen in a modified form, Ratschied.

Each of the spellings of Rotscheidt are derived from the same root name, which is ultimately derived from the words Rausch, meaning "forest", and Haidt, meaning "hedge". This name is believed to have originated in Germany as a topographic name for someone who lived near a forested area, or perhaps a shelter of some kind in the forest.

The current bearer of the surname Rotscheidt may have emigrated from Germany to other parts of Europe, or even to the United States at some point in their family's history. In some cases, those who bore this surname may have changed the spelling slightly in order to suit the language of the region they settled in, such as Rotscheit, which is a variation more commonly seen in Dutch-speaking areas.

In all, there are a few variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin as Rotscheidt and understanding the historical context from which these surnames are derived can help to better understand one’s genealogy.

Famous people with the name Rotscheidt

• Daniel Roßteutscher: German football midfielder and manager who had a stint as head coach of SSV Jahn Regensburg in the 1990s.
• Éric Roßteutscher: French esports player and former professional Super Smash Bros. Melee player, who placed 4th in the 2019 Smash Summit 8.
• Marc Roßteutscher: German 1995 European gold medalist in Biathlon and winner of three World Cup events.
• Louise Roßteutscher: German actress and model, known for her roles in the television series News from Berlin and the 2002 film An American Rhapsody.
• Erika Roßteutscher: Austrian singer and actress, who had a long theatrical career and made numerous recordings throughout the 1930s and 1940s.
• Björn Roßteutscher: German actor best known for his role in the 1998 film Never Give Up as Karl, a struggling comedian.
• Mike Roßteutscher: Canadian comedian, writer and improviser popular on the Canadian sketch comedy scene, and cast member for the popular CBC radio show, The Debaters.
• Gösta Roßteutscher: Swedish painter known for his landscapes and seascapes.
• Jean-Marie Roßteutscher: Dutch artist and scenographer who has created numerous exhibitions and multiple theater sets.
• Silke Roßteutscher: German author of several children's books, including The Little Prince and the Frog, and Das Erbe des Possenreißers.

Other surnames

Rotschedl