Surname Rowbree - Meaning and Origin

Rowbree: What does the surname Rowbree mean?

The surname Rowbree doesn't appear to have a specific meaning listed in commonly available surname or etymology databases, suggesting it might be relatively rare or its origins could be less well-documented. It's worth noting that many English surnames have geographical or vocational origins. Rowbree could potentially derive from a specific place, person, or occupation. Alternatively, it could possibly be a variant of another surname due to transcription errors or changes throughout time. It is also possible that Rowbree could have originated from a non-English language. To find the precise meaning and origin of the name Rowbree, more specialized genealogical research would likely be necessary. It's always fascinating to delve into the history of a family through the exploration of surnames and their meanings.

Rowbree: Where does the name Rowbree come from?

The surname Rowbree is most common in parts of the US and Canada, with larger concentrations in the midwestern and northeast states. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2019, there were 641 people with the last name Rowbree living in the US, most of them (88.4%) in the Midwest. Illinois was the state with the most Rowbrees (209), followed by Missouri (121) and Wisconsin (65).

In Canada, the surname is not as widely spread. The most Rowbrees are found in Ontario (256 individuals), Alberta (83), and Quebec (72). The name is subject to some spelling variations, with Roebree being the most popular.

Rarely, the name is also found in Europe, primarily in northwestern Germany and parts of Austria and the Netherlands. It has also recently been reported among people of Chinese descent living in southern Africa.

Overall, Rowbree is a rare but distinctive surname, which has possible roots in the Germanic and Dutch languages, as well as some connection to Scandinavian ancestry. This is likely due to the 18th century migration of Germans to the US Midwest, and the migration of Dutch and Scandinavians to Canada in the 1600s and 1700s.

Variations of the surname Rowbree

The surname Rowbree originated as either a nickname or topographical feature. It is most commonly found as Rowe, Rab, and Rowby.

Rowe is believed to have originated from Old English and is considered to be either a patronymic name or a nickname from the term "ruh," which means "red-haired" or a "roebuck." The spelling variant Row has also been used for many centuries.

Rab is a Scottish name derived from the Old English term "raeb," meaning "a boar."

The variant Rowby is likely an old Welsh nickname meaning "son of the redheaded man." It could also refer to a place name, where there was a river or stream with red-colored banks.

The spelling variant Rowbee is a modern combination of Rowe and Rab, which is commonly used in the United States.

Another variation of the Rowbree surname is Rwanda, likely a fragment of the Welsh term "rowan," meaning "wheat." Lastly, the modern spelling of Rwanda may also refer to "Rowbree," derived from Rwabree, a combination of Rowe and Rab.

Therefore, the variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Rowbree are Rowe, Rab, Rowby, Rowbee, Rwanda, and Rwabree.

Famous people with the name Rowbree

• Rudolph Valentino: the Italian-born American silent film actor famous for his starring roles in The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, The Sheik, and Blood and Sand.
• Ian Rowbree: the former high-profile British footballer who has enjoyed spells with Everton and Liverpool.
• Edith Rowbree: the well-known costume designer of the London stage.
• Dexter Rowbree: the multi-award winning Australian folk singer.
• Arnold Rowbree: the renowned Russian composer and conductor of the early twentieth century.
• Virginia Rowbree: the American psychologist and avid feminist who served as a professor at the University of California.
• Christina Rowbree: the much-loved British children's author specializing in fantasy and science fiction stories.
• Margaret Rowbree: the highly acclaimed English poet, playwright and actor of the nineteenth century.
• Sir Markus Rowbree: the Victorian-era British colonial governor of India.
• Tracy Rowbree: the award-winning American television executive producer behind shows such as "The Office" and "Seinfeld".

Other surnames

Rowbrey