Rolfe Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Rolfe come from? What does the surname Rolfe mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Rolfe and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Rolfe Origin: What does the last name Rolfe mean?
The surname Rolfe originates from the Old Scandinavian and Germanic personal name "Hrodwulf", meaning "renown wolf". It first appeared in records from England in the early 14th century and later spread to the United States by the 16th century. Over time, the frequency of the Rolfe surname fluctuated between the United Kingdom and the United States, with a notable presence in both countries. Today, the Rolfe surname can be found in various countries worldwide, with a prominent presence in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Rolfe Last Name History: Where did the last name Rolfe come from?
Origin of Rolfe Surname: Where does the last name Rolfe originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Rolfe first appears in records from England, United Kingdom around the early 14th century. It's important to remember that this reflects only the exact spelling "Rolfe" within the YourRoots database and does not include other possible sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Rolfe: What does the Rolfe surname history look like in the early days?
Initially, the Rolfe surname was mostly found in records from the United Kingdom, particularly England, from the 14th through the 15th century. However, by the 16th century, the Rolfe surname started to grow in frequency within the United States, according to YourRoots data. This suggests a considerable spread of the Rolfe surname during this period.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Rolfe surname today?
As of the 17th century, the volume of records with the Rolfe surname in the United States began to exceed those in the United Kingdom, a trend that continued through the 18th century. However, by the 19th century, the Rolfe surname again became more frequent in the United Kingdom, indicating shifts in the geographical presence of the surname over time. Today, the Rolfe surname is found in numerous countries, with a prominent presence in the United Kingdom and the United States, according to YourRoots data.
Explore Rolfe last name heritage and Rolfe surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME ROLFE
Famous People With Rolfe Surame?
John Rolfe
John Rolfe (c. 1585 – March 1622) was an English explorer, farmer, and merchant known for marrying Pocahontas and introducing a profitable strain of tobacco to the Virginia Colony. He played a vital role in the colony's economy by cultivating tobacco from Trinidad, leading to the thriving tobacco industry in Virginia. Rolfe and Pocahontas traveled to England to promote colonization and investment in Virginia. After her death, he continued working with tobacco, laying the foundation for the colony's success. His adventurous life and contributions to Virginia's economy make him a significant figure in American history.
Thomas Rolfe
Thomas Rolfe (January 30, 1615 – c. 1680) was the son of Pocahontas and John Rolfe, known for being the first child born to a Native American woman and European man in Virginia. He inherited land and married Jane Poythress, with whom he had a daughter named Jane Rolfe. Despite societal challenges, Rolfe maintained connections with his Native American relatives and built a reputation as a plantation owner in Virginia. His life reflects the complexities of early colonial America and the blending of cultures.
Jane Rolfe
Jane Rolfe (October 10, 1650 – January 27, 1676) was the granddaughter of Pocahontas and John Rolfe, known for introducing tobacco to the struggling Virginia Colony. Married to Colonel Robert Bolling, they had a son named John Bolling. Jane's lineage connects her to historical figures like Pocahontas and John Rolfe, making her a significant figure in American colonial history. Despite her tragic death shortly after giving birth, Jane's legacy lives on through her descendants, including her son John Bolling and his children. Her story is a fascinating blend of Native American heritage and English colonial influence, shaping the early days of America.
Guy Rolfe
Guy Edwin Arthur Rolfe (27 Dec 1911 – 19 Oct 2003) was a British character actor known for playing villains. Starting as a professional boxer and racing driver, he transitioned to acting in his mid-20s. Rolfe appeared in various films like "The Spider and the Fly" (1949) and "Mr. Sardonicus" (1961), as well as Hollywood productions such as "Ivanhoe" (1952) and "King of Kings" (1961). He also had roles in TV shows like "The Avengers" and "Space: 1999." Married to actress Jane Aird until her death in 1993, he later wed Margret Allworthy. Rolfe passed away in Ipswich, Suffolk, and is buried in St Mary's churchyard in Benhall.
Lilian Rolfe
Lilian Vera Rolfe (26 Apr 1914 – 5 Feb 1945), also known as Nadine, was a British agent for the Special Operations Executive during World War II. She worked as a wireless operator in France, aiding the French Resistance against Nazi occupation. Captured by the Germans, she was executed in Ravensbrück concentration camp. Her bravery and sacrifice are honored with her name on the Runnymede Memorial in England and a dedicated building in Lambeth, ensuring her legacy lives on in history.
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