Find out how popular the first name Roah has been for the last 5 years (from 2019 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Roah by gender

Based on the last 5 years of data, Roah is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Roah.

The history of the first name Roah

The name Roah is an ancient Hebrew name with origins dating back to biblical times. It is derived from the Hebrew word "ro'ah," which means "shepherd" or "one who tends flocks." The name is believed to have been popularized during the time of the Old Testament, when shepherding was a common occupation in the region.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Roah can be found in the Book of Genesis, where it is mentioned as the name of one of the sons of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This reference suggests that the name was in use among the ancient Israelites as early as the 2nd millennium BC.

In later historical records, the name Roah appears sporadically throughout various periods and cultures. One notable figure bearing this name was Roah ben Shemaiah, a Jewish scholar and scribe who lived in the 3rd century BC and is credited with being one of the first to transcribe the Hebrew Bible onto parchment scrolls.

During the Middle Ages, the name Roah was occasionally used among Jewish communities in Europe, though it remained relatively uncommon. One notable figure from this period was Roah ben David, a 13th-century rabbi and scholar from France who authored several influential works on Jewish law and tradition.

In the 16th century, a Spanish nobleman named Roah de Guzmán played a significant role in the Spanish conquest of Mexico, serving as a lieutenant under Hernán Cortés. He is recorded as being one of the first Europeans to encounter the Aztec civilization and is said to have been instrumental in the eventual downfall of the Aztec Empire.

In more recent times, the name Roah has remained rare, though it has been used sporadically in various cultures and regions. One notable individual was Roah Kefah, an Iraqi poet and writer who lived in the 20th century and was known for his works exploring themes of identity, exile, and the complexities of modern life in the Middle East.

It is worth noting that while the name Roah has a rich historical legacy, it has never been widely popular or common. As such, detailed records and information about individuals bearing this name throughout history are relatively scarce compared to more prevalent names. Nevertheless, the name remains a fascinating remnant of ancient Hebrew culture and tradition, carrying with it the symbolic connotations of shepherding and guardianship.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Roah was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Roah, please contact us.

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