Family Name History

The surname Rowe is an alglicization of the German surname Rauch which is of occupational origin, being one of those surnames derived from the work a man did or the profession he pursued. In this case the name is derived from the Middle High German word "rouch" meaning "smoke" and was applied as a metonym to one who owned and worked a fire-place. It was often, for example, applied to blacksmiths. This, it would appear that the original bearer was one who worked at or owned a forge and was identified as such by his name.

One of the earliest records of the surname is that of one Herman Rook who was living in Barth, Pommerania in 1333 (Meppener Urkundenbuch). One Hans Rouch was residing in Massingen, Rotttenburg in 1446 (Urkunden u. Akten des Kgl. Haus - u. Staatsarchivs.).

Armoiries: D'azur a un encensoir sans chaines, d'argent; jaillissant des traits de fumee.

Blazon of Arms: Azur, a censor argent, emitting puffs of smoke proper. Then heraldic colour azure, or blue, denotes the qualities of Truth and Loyalty. The censor and smoke are an example of the heraldic practice of canting that is placing a charge on the shield which acts as a pun upon the origin or meaning of the name.

Cimier: Le meuble de l'ecu, sans fummee, entre un vol d'azur.

Crest: A censor proper between a vol azure.

Origin: Germany.

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