Surname Roush - Meaning and Origin
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read moreRoush: What does the surname Roush mean?
The surname Roush is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "rusche" meaning "rush" or "reed." This indicates that the initial bearers of this surname likely lived in or near an area abundant with rushes or reeds, possibly a marsh or swamp. Surnames were often taken based on geographical features of one's dwelling or occupation, suggesting that the Roush ancestors may have lived near such features or used the materials in their profession. These could include making rush mats, baskets, or other items, which was common in the Middle Ages when the surname was likely created. The name is common among families of German descent in America, often among descendants of German immigrants. It should be noted that alternations and variations of the spelling of the surname might have appeared over generations, such as Rausch, Rousche, or Rauch.
Order DNA origin analysisRoush: Where does the name Roush come from?
The last name Roush is today most commonly found in the United States of America, particularly in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Michigan.
Specifically, the common population centre exists primarily in three states: Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. In these states, the name Roush is one of the 50 most common last names, having ranked 44th in Ohio in 2018, 32nd in Kentucky in the same year, and 18th in West Virginia in 2017.
Outside of these three most common states of residence, other denser concentrations of the last name can be in found in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Virginia, and Maryland, although less so than in the three previously mentioned states.
Genealogically, the name Roush is believed to have come to the United States most prominently from a line of English ancestry, with the earliest known record of a Roush in the United States appearing in the state of Virginia during the late 18th century.
Although the last name Roush experienced much of its rise in popularity within the aforementioned three states of residence within the United States, the name can be found in other places worldwide, such as various countries in Europe, Canada, India, and Australia, amongst other countries.
Variations of the surname Roush
The origin of the surname 'Roush' is unclear. It is believed to be of either English or German descent.
The surname 'Roush' can have various variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include Rush, Roush, Rusche, Rusha, Ruch, Rausch, Rusch and Ruschy.
In English, the name 'Roush' is derived from the Middle English word 'rusch', which means "brushwood". It was most likely given as an occupational name to those who collected and sold brushwood or worked in the brushwood industry. It may also be derived from 'ruthens', a term used for a certain breed of horse.
In German, the name 'Roush' is derived from the Old High German word 'râsc', which means "reddish". It is likely that it was first used in the form of a nickname for people with red hair.
The surnames 'Rush', 'Ruch', 'Rausch' and 'Rusch' are all derived from the German verb 'rüschen', which means "to bristle". This suggests that these variants of the surname 'Roush' were originally occupational names for people who worked with animal bristles in the manufacturing and/or selling of such goods.
The surnames 'Rusha', 'Rusche' and 'Ruschy' have their origins in Eastern Europe. They are thought to have derived from the Czech and Slovak words 'rychý' and 'ryší' which both mean 'quick'. It is possible that these variants of the surname 'Roush' were first given to people who were considered to be particularly fast or agile.
Famous people with the name Roush
- Jack Roush: American business magnate and former professional drag racer. He was the founder, CEO, and co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing, a winning NASCAR team.
- Fred Roush: Former NFL player and tight end who played 11 seasons in the league.
- Mark Roush: Founder of Roush Performance Products and Roush Aviation and former executive for the Detroit Tigers baseball team.
- Don Roush: Former pitcher and coach in minor league baseball.
- Larry Roush: Current mayor of the city of Fort Scott, KS and former Fort Scott Community College board member.
- Ann Roush: American figure skater who competed in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Brooke Roush: U.S. National Champion figure skater and coach in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Bill Roush: Professional race car driver and NASCAR team owner and stock car racer from the late 1940s to the early 1960s.
- Rob Roush: Nascar Grand American division driver and winner of the 1990s.
- Dave Roush: Professional race car driver and NASCAR crew chief and winner of the 1980s.