Surname Rauen - Meaning and Origin

Rauen: What does the surname Rauen mean?

Rauen is a surname of German origin. In German, it comes from the Middle High German term "rūch", translated as "rough" or "rustic". So, it could have been used as a nickname for a coarse or boisterous individual. Another possibility is that it might come from a topographic name for someone who lived by a rookery, from the Middle Low German term "rave", which means "raven". Like many surnames, it could also potentially point to geographic location, occupational role, characteristic traits or even signify the family's patriarch. However, the exact meaning can diverge significantly based on regional dialects and historical contexts. Therefore, it is critical to note that such interpretations aren't definitive universals and could vary based on specific genealogical histories.

Rauen: Where does the name Rauen come from?

Today the last name Rauen is common mainly in the German-speaking parts of Europe. In Germany, it is the 78,476th most common last name, and in Switzerland it is the 1819th most common last name. In Austria, it also appears as a variant of the name Raab. Elsewhere in Europe, it can also be found in small numbers in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic, especially around the border regions near these countries.

Outside of Europe, the name is relatively uncommon outside of German-speaking immigrant communities or those of German descent. This is especially true in the United States, where the number of people with the last name Rauen is comparatively low. In Canada, France, and Australia, where sizable German-speaking communities exist, the name is more common.

In 2020, the highest numbers of people with the last name Rauen lived in Germany, followed by the United States, Switzerland, and Austria. Generally speaking, people with the last name Rauen tend to be most concentrated in the German-speaking parts of Europe, primarily in Germany itself as well as in the border regions of neighboring countries.

Variations of the surname Rauen

The surname Rauen is derived from the Germanic root "rahwaz," which means "noise." The spelling variations of this surname range from Rauen, Rauhn, Rauhnne, Raun, Raunne, Rahn, Rahnn, Roehn, Rohn, Rohnn, Roeun, Roen, Roehnne, Roeune, Roenn, and Roenne.

The majority of these spelling variations are more familiar to families based in the German regions of Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. In addition to the German spelling, some families with this surname have assimilated a French or Spanish spelling, such as Rauc, Rouen, Raun, Rouanne, Rouain, Rouannequ, and Rouanet.

In America, the Rauen surname has been changed to Roan, Roen, Rohn, Roun, Rown, and Roe. For example, records from Pennsylvania reveal that the Robertson family, from the early 19th century, changed it surname to Roen, which is an anglicized variation of the more Germanic spelling Rauen.

Other possible variants associated with the Rauen surname are Rapien, Reoun, Reune, Rajan, Rauhn, Raune, Royan, Rouen, and Rouane.

Overall, the variations of the Rauen surname showcase the adaptability of family names throughout history. This surname has proven to be quite versatile, undergoing various spelling changes as families move from one region to another, adopted different cultures, and assimilated different language influences.

Famous people with the name Rauen

• Calista Rauen: actress best known for her roles on the TV series Shadowhunters.
• Boris Rauen: politician and member of the SPD party in Germany.
• Eli Rauen: an author of children's books.
• Andreas Rauen: actor best known for his roles on the TV series Unter Uns and Alarm für Cobra 11: Die Autobahnpolizei.
• Thomas Rauen: German bassoonist and composer.
• William Rauen: German-American photographer who has documented the lives of the Hmong people living in rural areas of Northern Thailand.
• Uwe Rauen: German film producer, best known for his works in several genres, such as drama, thriller and war.
• Simon Rauen: German mathematician specialising in number theory.
• Manfred Rauen: German paleontologist known for his work on the fossils of the Messel deposits in Germany.
• Gerd Rauen: former footballer who represented German clubs such as FSV Mainz 05 and Bayer Leverkusen during his career.

Other surnames

RaueRauer