Surname Rolfs - Meaning and Origin
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Rolfs: What does the surname Rolfs mean?
The surname Rolfs is a German and Dutch patronymic surname derived from the name Rudolph (or 'Hrōdōlfaz' in the German language) - a name that meant 'fame-wolf'. The use of such patronymic surnames became popular following the introduction of surname laws in the Middle Ages.
The name Rolfs is found primarily in German and Dutch-speaking areas, such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. It may also be found in other parts of the world with people of Germanic ancestry, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.
The Rolfs family likely initially lived in northern Germany and then spread outwards to other areas. There is mention of a family of 'Rolfs' who were wealthy farmers in Friesland in the 15th century.
The first mention of the name dates back to 1256, when Rudulfs of Immenhausen was recorded in Germany.
The Rolfs family has had a long and varied history. They have been notable family members in both their countries of origin as well as other places around the world. Today, the Rolfs are a bright, vibrant, and successful family that continue to make their mark on the world.
Order DNA origin analysisRolfs: Where does the name Rolfs come from?
The last name Rolfs is generally concentrated in Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe, particularly Germany and Scandinavian countries. Today, Rolfs is most common in Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Finland, and Norway, with the highest concentrations of Rolfs in Sweden and Denmark, respectively.
In Denmark, Rolfs is one of the most commonly recorded surnames. It is estimated that over 80,000 people in Denmark are named Rolfs, making it the 11th most common surname in the country. Rolfs can be found in all of the major cities, in particular Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense.
In Germany, Rolfs is estimated to be the 127th most common surname, with an estimated population of around 25,000 people. Rolfs can be found all across the country, although it is more concentrated in central states, such as Lower Saxony, Berlin, Baden-Wuerttemberg, and Bavaria.
In Sweden, Rolfs is the 36th most common surname, with an estimated population of over 70,000 people. The majority of the population is concentrated in the cities of Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmo.
In Norway, Rolfs is the 74th most common surname, with an estimated population of almost 15,000 people. The majority of the population can be found in the cities of Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim.
In Finland, Rolfs is the 203rd most common surname, with an estimated population of just over 1,000 people. The majority of the population can be found in the cities of Helsinki, Tampere, and Espoo.
Variations of the surname Rolfs
There are several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Rolfs:
Variants:
Rolf, Rolph, Rolphe, Ralphe
Spellings:
Rolfe, Rolff, Raulf, Ralfe
Surnames:
Rolfson, Rolfsen, Rolffsen, Ralfson, Ralfsen
The derivation of the name Rolfs is from the given name “Rolf”. This old German name is recorded in over 700 forms which have developed over the centuries since its earliest recorded form, “Hrodwulf”. “Rolf” is a diminutive of “Hrodwulf”, which was derived from the elements “hrod” meaning “renown”, and “wulf” meaning “wolf”. Thus, the name “Rolf” literally meant “renowned wolf” and in some cases could also be a nickname for someone thought to resemble a wolf. Early records of the surname Rolfs date back to 1207 in Germany, and the name is also found in various forms and spellings in Denmark and Sweden.
In England, the surname Rolfs is found in various forms such as Rolph, Ralphe, and Rolfe from around 1200 during the period when surnames began to be adopted more widely. Rolfe is the usual spelling in America, where it has been in use since the 1700s.
The surname Rolfson, Rolfsen, or Rolffsen is a patronymic form of Rolfs, while Ralfson or Ralfsen is another patronymic form derived from the variants Ralf or Raulf.
The many forms of the surname Rolfs testify to its immense popularity over the centuries since its first recorded use in the twelfth century.
Famous people with the name Rolfs
- Kory Rolfs: American soccer player for Maccabi Tel Aviv.
- Rev. Luther C. Rolfs: influential pastor of the Lutheran Church.
- Sven Rolfs: former Swedish swimmer who represented Sweden in the 1964 and 1968 Summer Olympics.
- Scott Rolfs: American actor known for his roles in the television series Gilmore Girls and White Collar.
- Chrystal Rolfs: American actress best known for her roles in The Big Bang Theory and iZombie.
- Irma Rolfs: German visual artist, known for her etched prints and drawings.
- Jacob Rolfs: American football player, kick returner and wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL).
- Isha Rolfs: English dancer and choreographer.
- Tobin Rolfs: American philanthropist and environmental activist.
- Elsa Rolfs: German children's author, known for her books In der Mitte und überall and Der Esel und der Igel.