Surname Rollof - Meaning and Origin

Rollof: What does the surname Rollof mean?

The last name Rollof is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "rollen," meaning to roll. This name could have been given to someone whose ancestors took part in a rolling agricultural process such as milling or grinding. It could also be an occupational name for a wheelwright or wagon builder. In some cases, the name may be derived from a toponymic or geographic name, referring to someone from a region or town associated with rolling or hills.

The surname Rollof is quite common in parts of Europe such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. It can also be found in the United States, where it is most commonly among the descendants of German immigrants. Today, the name is also found in English-speaking countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Canada due to the influx of immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In German culture, the surname Rollof is strongly associated with the idea of loyalty and perseverance. It is also a reminder of the hardworking roots of its original bearers. A bearer of the name is likely to have a strong sense of family and tradition, as well as a clear sense of self and identity.

Rollof: Where does the name Rollof come from?

The last name Rollof is most common today in Denmark, but it is also sporadically seen in other Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Finland and Norway. It can also be found in countries as diverse as France, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia and Germany.

The Rollof surname is an occupational name, derived from the Middle Low German verb "rollen" meaning 'to roll.' In the Middle Ages, the barrel-making trade was an important industry and those who made barrels were known as "Rollof" or "Roller".

In Denmark, the Rollofs are most commonly found around the city of Viborg, where Rollof Anders was born in the 1600s, and in the southern part of Jutland. Viborg was an important center for the making and trading of wooden barrels in the past and the name Rollof became associated with the area.

In the United Kingdom, the name Rollof is primarily found in southern England and in some parts of Wales. In the US and Canada, there are relatively few people with the surnames and in Australia, most Rollofs are found around Adelaide and Melbourne, possibly due to Danish migrants having settled there.

Despite being an uncommon name, the Rollof surname is a testament to the importance of the ancestral arts of barrel making in the Middle Ages. As one of the oldest and most traditional trades, barrel making has shaped many cultures and industries, even today.

Variations of the surname Rollof

The surname Rollof is a patronymic surname meaning Son of Rollof. It originates from two forename sources, one derived from the Old Norse name Ροllaugr, made up of two elements: the first, Ρollr, means “renowned” and the second, Όugr, means "fear” or “terror". The other source could come from an Old French forename, Rollo, meaning “renowned wolf”.

Variations and spellings of the surname Rollof include Rolloff, Rollofson, Rolloffson, Rollop, Rollops, Rollopson, Rollofsson, and Rollovf.

Variants of the surname Rollof can also be found among Jewish and Scandinavian family names. The Yiddish form of the surname is Rolnik, and the Norwegian and Swedish variants are Rollof and Rolloffson, respectively.

In Scotland, the surname Rollof is often spelled as ‘Roloff’ and in Ireland, the surname can be spelled as ‘Rolliffe’ or ‘Rollaph’.

In the United States, the surname Rollof can be found with various spelling variations such as Rolloff, Rolloffe, Rollofs, Rollop, Rollops, and Rollopson. Other common spellings in the United States include Rollf, Rollofson, Rollofs, Rolluff, Rololph, Rolph, Roloff, Roll, Rollock, Rollofe, and Rollins.

Related surnames from the same origin include Rolle, Rollins, Rollings, Rollinson, Rollingson, and Rollison.

Famous people with the name Rollof

• Jace Rollof: Professional golf player
• Bear Rollof: Actor
• Aziz Rollof: Bosnian Footballer
• Julia Rollof: Swedish Actress
• Evelyn Rollof: American Singer
• Henning Rollof: Norwegian Economist
• Satu Rollof: Finnish Entrepreneur
• Oscar Rollof: Swedish Politician
• Mitchell Rollof: Canadian Politician
• Alec Rollof: American Singer/Songwriter

Other surnames

RolloRolloff