Find out how popular the last name Rhodebeck is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Rhodebeck.

Rhodebeck, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Rhodebeck surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Rhodebeck in America

Rhodebeck is the 150436th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Rhodebeck surname appeared 100 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Rhodebeck.

The history of the last name Rhodebeck

The surname Rhodebeck is believed to have originated in German-speaking regions of Europe, particularly Germany, around the Middle Ages. The name likely derives from a combination of two Germanic elements: "Rode" or "Rhode," which refers to clearing or cultivated land, and "Beck," which means stream or brook. This suggests that the original bearers of the surname may have lived near a cultivated area with a stream or were involved in clearing land by a brook.

Historically, surnames began to be used widely in Germany around the 12th and 13th centuries, as populations grew and there was a need to distinguish between individuals more clearly. Rhodebeck, therefore, would likely have started as a descriptive name, highlighting the geographic or occupational features associated with the family.

The name Rhodebeck does not appear in the Domesday Book, as this was centered on England and primarily recorded Anglo-Norman names. However, German records from the 14th and 15th centuries might provide the earliest references. One of the oldest known records of the name can be found in a 1373 Bavarian tax register, listing a Hans Rhodebeck, indicating that the family was taxed under this name.

Early examples include Maria Rhodebeck, born in 1521 in what is now Bavaria. She was the wife of a local miller and is noted in parish records for her work in the community. Another historical figure is Ludwig Rhodebeck, a Lutheran pastor in the early 17th century who played a role in the Reformation's expansion within smaller German territories. Born in 1585, Ludwig Rhodebeck worked tirelessly to promote religious texts and teachings until his death in 1642.

In the 18th century, Johann Friedrich Rhodebeck, born in 1723, was a noted farmer and local councilman in Hesse. He is mentioned in multiple village records and documents of that period for his contributions to agricultural reforms and community leadership.

By the 19th century, Carl Rhodebeck stood out as a figure in early German industrialization. Born in 1809 in Saxony, Carl became an entrepreneur in the textile industry, helping to modernize local manufacturing processes until his death in 1875.

In the artistic circles of the early 20th century, one finds Emma Rhodebeck, born in 1884. Emma was a noted painter and sculptor whose works were exhibited in several German art galleries before World War II. Her legacy includes several murals found in public buildings in Munich and Berlin, showcasing her talent and contributing to cultural heritage.

The surname Rhodebeck, through the centuries, has reflected various aspects of life in German-speaking Europe, from agriculture to religion, and later industrial and artistic achievements. The evolution of the name underscores the geographical and socio-economic factors that shaped the identities and histories of its bearers.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Rhodebeck

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Rhodebeck.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Rhodebeck was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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