Surname Rasch - Meaning and Origin
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Tracing the Rasch Surname Origins: A DNA Test at iGENEA Unveils a Viking Lineage
The DNA test at iGENEA opened up new pathways to my understanding of the Rasch lineage, anchoring its roots deep in Northern Germany and the Viking era. A combination of Y-DNA and mtDNA testing administered with molecular precision reveals a historical tale tracing back a millennium soundly.
P. Rasch
read moreRasch: What does the surname Rasch mean?
The last name Rasch is derived from two possible origins. It can be German and Jewish in origin, or it may be an Anglicized form of the Northern Irish name Ratchy.
If it is of German and Jewish origin, it is likely derived from the German word raschen, meaning 'to hurry' or 'to rush' which could have been an occupational name for someone who was fast or efficient in their job. This name could have been taken on as a surname if that person passed it down to their family.
If it is of Northern Irish origin, it could be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic "O'Raithche," meaning 'descendant of Raithche.' Raithche was a first name of uncertain meaning, but it likely comes from the Gaelic word "raith," meaning 'hopeful.' The "O'" prefix indicates that the name was originally held by a clan or branch of a certain family.
Whichever of these two origins is the correct one, the meaning of the name is still the same – one of hope and efficiency.
Order DNA origin analysisRasch: Where does the name Rasch come from?
The last name Rasch is most commonly found in Germany and other German-speaking countries. It is also found in many countries that were once part of the German Empire, particularly in parts of Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary.
In Germany, the Rasch family is found in many regions, including the former East Germany. Most of the instances of the Rasch surname are situated in Saxony, Brandenburg, Pomerania, and Bavaria, all of which were important areas during Germany's imperial period.
In the United States, it appears that the last name is found mainly in Pennsylvania, Northern New Jersey, and Illinois, which may be due to a large number of German immigrants settling in those areas during the 1800s and 1900s.
The Rasch surname may also be found in Scandinavia, particularly in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, where several different variations of the name exist such as Raschsen, Raschild, and Raschgaard. Lastly, it is quite common in New Zealand, likely due to the large number of German settlers that immigrated to the country in the nineteenth century.
In conclusion, the Rasch surname can be found in many countries today, although the highest concentrations are in Germany and its former imperial territories, as well as Scandinavia and New Zealand.
Variations of the surname Rasch
Rasch is a surname that is believed to originate in Germany. It is likely derived from the German word "rasch" which means quickly or speedily. It is also possible that the surname is derived from the Italian word "raschio," meaning a reaper or scythe. Variations, spellings and surnames of the same origin as Rasch include Rask, Rash, Resch, Rusch, Resh, Reisch, Reish, Raish, Rauch, Rusche, Rosh, and Rech.
In many European countries, surnames could be spelled differently depending on which region they lived in. This was due to regional dialects and how specific languages were spoken in different parts of the same country. For example, some German speakers pronounced the name Rasch with a "k" sound at the end and this is how the surname Rask became part of the family tree.
In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, many individuals with the surname Rasch moved to the United States for economic and religious reasons. As a result, different spellings and surnames of the same origin spread to America, where they were pronounced and spelled differently according to local usage.
Today, the most common variant and surname of the same origin as Rasch is Resch, though the other variants mentioned above can still be found in the United States and other parts of the world.
Famous people with the name Rasch
- Wilhelm Ludwig Rasch (1829-1887) German chemist and mechanic
- Walter Rasch (1886-1958) German aviation designer and pioneer
- David Rasch (1917-1999) American astronomer
- Stephen Rasch (1922-2011) German theologian
- Christiane Rasch (1926-2008) German writer and playwright
- Willi Rasch (1927-1999) German sports journalist and editor
- Bill Rasch (born 1935) American film editor
- Kurt Rasch (born 1941) German sprinter
- Mike Rasch (born 1962) American composer
- Jan Christian Rasch (born 1963) Danish architect and designer