Surname Rohan - Meaning and Origin

Rohan: What does the surname Rohan mean?

The surname Rohan is of Irish origin, stemming from the Gaelic name Ó Ruadháin, where "Ruadháin" pertains to "little red one" or "descendant of the red-haired one." It is derived from the Gaelic term "ruadh," meaning "red." As surnames often serve an indicative role in many cultures, it is potential that the progenitors of the Rohan surname had red hair, hence the name. It is also a prominent place name in J.R.R. Tolkien's fiction, symbolizing a region governed by the horse-riders in Middle-earth, inspired by old English and Norse literature. Moreover, Rohan is an aristocratic family from Brittany, France, notable in French history since the 12th century. The surname has variants, frequently seen as O'Rohan or Ruane. It's common among Irish families but has spread with emigration, especially to countries like the U.S. and Australia.

Rohan: Where does the name Rohan come from?

The last name Rohan is most commonly found today in India, in the states of Maharashtra and Goa, as well as in other countries with large Indian diaspora populations such as the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

The name originates from a region in the Indian state of Maharashtra, known as the ‘Maratha Country’. The word ‘Rohan’ itself means ‘ascend’ in Sanskrit language. It is believed to have been chosen as the family name by Maratha chiefs in the 16th century as a sign of their affiliation to their homeland.

Today, the name is predominant among clans with Maratha roots. Notable individuals carrying the name include, the current Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Anantrao Pawar (popularly known as ‘Dada’) and in the past, the legendary Rajmata Jijabai of the Maratha Empire.

Rohan is also the name of a town in the north-eastern part of India, in the state of Tripura and is home to the Rongmei Naga people. The people here adhere to Christian and Manipuri beliefs, but there are several Hindu families in the area who carry the name Rohan.

The name is also often associated with the literary works of J. R. R. Tolkien, in which it was the name of a powerful kingdom in the fictional stories of Middle-Earth.

Overall, the name Rohan is found particularly in India, amongst people of Maratha origin, as well as in many different countries with large Indian diaspora populations.

Variations of the surname Rohan

Rohan is an old Irish and Breton name, which is derived from a Breton nobleman named Riou. The variants of the surname Rohan include Rouen, Rowen, Roux, Rohan, Roan, Rhoen, Rohane, Roon, Roin, Royen and Royn. Because the surname Rohan is found in many different countries with different cultures, the spelling of the surname can also vary a great deal. For example, in the Slavic countries of Eastern Europe, the surname is often spelled Rohon, Rozhin, Rohna and Rozhnin.

The surnames of the same origin as Rohan include Rowe, Rohan, Rowan, Ronan, Rohene, Rowen, Rowne and Roe. These variants of the original surname are also found in various countries, in different spellings, however they all have the same root origin.

One of the more common spellings of Rohan is Rowen in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In Scotland, the variation of Rohan is often spelled as Ronan, while in France, the spelling of Rohan is Rohain and Rouvin. In fact, many of the common Calderdale, Yorkshire surnames are of a Rohan origin.

Apart from the spelling variations, the surname Rohan also has a variety of patronymic forms such as Rohant, Rohandt and Rohandeau. These were created to differentiate between the different branches of the same family. The surname also has a Gaelic form called O'Ruadhagnaill which was borne by an influential family in Westmeath and Meath, Ireland.

Lastly, Rohan can be found in America in the forms Rouse, Rohen, Roehne and Rowhine. Thus, the variations in spellings, variants and alternative surnames has made the name Rohan one of the most difficult surnames to trace.

Famous people with the name Rohan

• David Rohan, British actor.
• Maureen Rohan, American singer-songwriter and pianist.
• Joseph Rohan, American physician and politician.
• Bill Rohan, Australian politician.
• Adam Rohan, Australian rugby player.
• John Rohan, American actor and film producer.
• Annette Rohan, Australian singer and songwriter.
• Matthew Rohan, Irish singer, musician and songwriter.
• Evie Rohan, Australian actress.
• Marah Rohan, American actress and singer.
• Andrew Rohan, American actor.
• Michael Rohan, American actor and producer.
• Yolanda Rohan, American author.
• Jake Rohan, American songwriter, guitarist and producer.
• Charlotte Rohan, British artist.
• Maureen Rohan, American actress and singer.
• Dion Rohan, Irish actor.
• Lauren Rohan, American model and television presenter.
• Patrick Rohan, French author and historian.
• Noreen Rohan, Irish actress.

Other surnames

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