What does Roth mean and where does it come from?
Roth is a surname and given name of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word 'rot', meaning 'red'. Historically, the name may have been used to describe someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. The name is relatively common in Germany and has been adopted in other cultures,
Cultural significance
Roth has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of red.
Peak popularity
Reached #2556 in 1985 — currently #1647 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Roth?
Roth works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Roth Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Roth Rose
Floral · soft ending
Roth Claire
French influence · crisp
Roth Jane
Literary · strong
Roth Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Roth right now?
Holding steady — currently #1647 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1647 | 553 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1652 | 533 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1657 | 503 | ▲ up 9345 · +8283% births |
| 2010 | #11002 | 6 | ▼ down 1682 · -14% births |
| 2005 | #9320 | 7 | ▲ up 1329 · +40% births |
| 2000 | #10649 | 5 | ▼ down 3999 · -29% births |
| 1990 | #6650 | 7 | ▼ down 4094 · -65% births |
| 1985 | #2556 | 20 | ▲ up 2644 · +186% births |
| 1980 | #5200 | 7 | ▼ down 1222 · +17% births |
| 1960 | #3978 | 6 | ▲ up 400 · +20% births |
| 1955 | #4378 | 5 | — |
The story of Roth
Roth entered American naming records in 1955 and has been in use for over 69 years. With 220 total births recorded, Roth remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4378 in 1955 to #1647 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Roth in 1985:
Roth by decade
Roth peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 15 | |
| 1960s | 16 | |
| 1970s | 18 | |
| 1980s ★ | 92 | |
| 1990s | 55 | |
| 2000s | 18 | |
| 2010s | 6 | |
💎Roth has only 220 total recorded births since 1955 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Roth?
Famous people named Roth
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Roth (Germanic saint)
Roth spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
R(
Roth (medieval German ruler)
Roth bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
R(
Roth (German philosopher)
Roth used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
R(
Roth (Scandinavian royal)
Roth held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Roth?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Roth also consider these
Common questions about the name Roth
What does the name Roth mean?
Roth means "red" — a name rooted in Germanic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Roth?
Roth is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Roth?
Roth originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Roth?
Roth is a one-syllable name pronounced R AO1 TH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Roth sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Roth flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Roth ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.