Surname Rapolder - Meaning and Origin

Rapolder: What does the surname Rapolder mean?

The last name Rapolder is of German origin, and is derived from the elements 'rapen', meaning 'root', and 'holer', which translates to 'hole'. This may suggest that the original bearers of the surname were farmers or agricultural workers, as digging up and tending to root vegetables like potatoes would have been a common occupation.

The name may also have originated from a geographical description, as some areas of Germany have had a historical name change of ‘Rapoldsruh’, which translates to ‘The Rest of Rapol’. This is derived from the Franconian word ‘rapp’ which referred to the ridges made in the ground during ploughing.

The surname has many forms in other countries across Europe, such as the Hungarian ‘Rappolder’, or the Dutch ‘Rappolder’, and is still commonly used throughout Germany. It is thought that the Rapolder name has had a successful extended lineage, as records show it being present in both Berlin and Bavaria since at least 1587.

Overall, the Rapolder family likely has humble farming roots, with the surname originating from someone who made their living by ploughing and digging for vegetables. Despite many centuries having passed since then, the Rapolder name has withstood the test of time and is still a present surname across Europe today.

Rapolder: Where does the name Rapolder come from?

The last name Rapolder is most common today in Germany, the country of its origin. It is a spelling variation of the German name Röpolder, which is derived from an old word meaning "marshland." Rapolder is especially common in Lower Saxony, where records point to the family's origins. Here, the oldest records indicate that the Rapolder family first settled in the city of Wolfsburg around 1150.

From Wolfsburg, the Rapolder family spread out across Germany, settling primarily in cities and villages of Lower Saxony. Through the centuries, its population has continued to grow, with other branches of the family immigrating to other states in Germany and abroad. In recent years, the family can be found in parts of the United States as well, where records indicate that certain members of the family arrived in the 19th century.

In the current day, the Rapolder name has experienced a bit of a surge, as seen by data from the Central Institute for Statistics in Germany. Here, the population of people with the Rapolder name is higher today than at any other point in the family's history. The population is still highest in Lower Saxony, with some presence in other German states as well, although it has eroded due to migration.

Variations of the surname Rapolder

The Rapolder surname is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word ‘rapold’, which means ‘rapier’ or ‘sword’. As a surname, it can be found with various variants, spellings, and patronymics. These include the variants Ropold, Ropolding, Rapolding, Rapold, Rapolt, Rappolding, Rappold, Rappolt, Rappolder, Rappolter, Rappoltle, and Rapolz.

Patronymic forms of the Rapolder surname include Ropoldinger, Rapoldinger, Rappoldingers, and Rappolder. For female-line descendants, the surnames Ropoldin, Rapoldin, and Rappoldin (pluralized Rappoldine) are also used.

The original spelling of the Rapolder surname is variable, but it is most commonly seen as Ropold, Rapolding, or Rappold. In some cases, a “d” can be added to the end of the name, creating variants such as Rappolder or Rappolter.

Variants of the Rapolder surname, such as Ropold or Rapolt, can also be seen throughout Central Europe, especially in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. In some cases, these variants can be found in records in the United States dating back to the 19th-century immigration waves.

Though the Rapolder surname is not as common today, its variations still exist in some form. It has a rich cultural heritage and continues to be associated with the idea of a skilled swordsman.

Famous people with the name Rapolder

• Philippe Rapolder: French comedian, actor, and sound designer.
• Günter Rapolder: German football manager who managed teams such as Bayer Leverkusen and Austria Wien.
• Philotus Rapolder: Greek-Italian artist
• Sean Rapolder: American actor in several television shows including 'Oz.'
• Wilbur Rapolder: former professional baseball pitcher in the 1930s.
• Kevin Rapolder: American film, television director, and actor.
• Jamie Rapolder: American pro motocross racer.
• Titus Rapolder: tennis player from the Netherlands currently active in the 1980s.
• Fidelis Rapolder: German painter and sculptor.
• Robert Rapolder: German engineer and university lecturer.

Other surnames

Rapold