Summary

The surname ROOT is of English origin and derives from the Middle English word 'rote', meaning 'a rote or tract of land cleared by burning'. It is an occupational surname referring to someone who lived or worked in an area of cleared land. The name can also be found in other variations like Roote or Rute in different regions.
There are
20284
Roots in the USA
Root is the
1770th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Root

ElihuRoot

Elihu Root was an American lawyer and statesman who served as the Secretary of War under President William McKinley and Secretary of State under President Theodore Roosevelt. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1912 for his efforts in promoting international arbitration and disarmament.

ChristopherRoot

Christopher Root was an English pirate who operated in the Caribbean during the early 18th century. He was known for his daring raids and successful captures of enemy ships.

EdwardRoot

Edward Root was an American entrepreneur and founder of the Root Glass Company. He is credited with designing the iconic contour Coca-Cola bottle, which has become one of the most recognizable symbols in the world.

JaneRoot

Jane Root is a British television executive and producer, known for her work as the former president of Discovery Networks and co-founder of Nutopia. She has been involved in the production of numerous popular television shows and documentaries.

GeorgeFrederick

George Frederick Root was an American songwriter and composer best known for his patriotic songs during the American Civil War. His most famous composition is the song 'The Battle Cry of Freedom.'

GilbertRoot

Gilbert Root was an English poet and writer active during the 19th century. He is known for his lyrical and often romantic poetry, which explored themes of nature, love, and spirituality.

OliverRoot

Oliver Root was an American photographer renowned for his black and white portrait photography. He captured the essence and emotions of his subjects, earning him critical acclaim and numerous awards.

HannahRoot

Hannah Root was an American suffragist and women's rights advocate who played a significant role in the women's suffrage movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She fought for equal rights and worked tirelessly to secure voting rights for women.

SamuelRoot

Samuel Root was an American politician who served as the governor of Connecticut from 1809 to 1812. He played a crucial role in shaping the state's policies and advocating for the rights of its citizens.

AbigailRoot

Abigail Root was a colonial American woman who was accused of witchcraft during the Salem witch trials in 1692. She was acquitted of the charges, but the experience had a lasting impact on her life and reputation.

Root Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Root' has English and German origins. In English, it is derived from the Middle English word 'rote,' meaning 'red,' and was likely used as a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. In German, 'Root' is a variant of the surname 'Roth,' which means 'red' in German.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Root' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in states like New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. It is also present in smaller numbers in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Root' include 'Roth,' 'Routh,' 'Roote,' 'Ruto,' 'Rote,' 'Roote,' 'Ruta,' 'Ruti,' 'Roat,' and 'Roht.' These variations may be influenced by regional dialects or transliterations when the name migrated to different countries.
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Root' have migrated and immigrated to various countries throughout history. Many early settlers with the name 'Root' arrived in North America from England and Germany in the 17th and 18th centuries. The name has since been carried by their descendants and has spread to other English-speaking countries and beyond.