Roth (surname)

Roth is a surname of Germanic and Ashkenazi Jewish origin. It is derived from the German word "rot," meaning "red," and was often used as a nickname for someone with red hair, a ruddy complexion, or red clothing.

The name is found throughout Europe and North America, carried by both Jewish and non-Jewish families. While the Jewish Roth surname likely shares the same etymological origin referencing the color red, its specific adoption may have occurred independently within Jewish communities, perhaps influenced by similar identifying features or as an ornamental surname.

Over time, variations and related surnames have emerged, including Rother, Rothman, Rothstein (meaning "red stone"), and Rothbart (meaning "red beard").

The surname is associated with a number of notable individuals across various fields, including literature, science, and the arts.