Rauch History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Germany 


The ancestral home of the Rauch family is in the German province of Bavaria. Rauch is a German nickname surname. Such names came from eke-names, or added names, that described their initial bearer through reference to a physical characteristic or other attribute. It is a name for a shaggy or unkempt person, stemming from the German word "rauch," meaning "rough, hairy." As with many early names such as this, the reference was often in jest. More likely, the origin is in reference to the smoke generated by smithies and thereby would be a trade name. The name was translated to English when the first settlers immigrated to North America, giving rise to such variations as "Smoak" or "Smoke."

Early Origins of the Rauch family

The surname Rauch was first found in Bavaria, where the name was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. Literally, the name refers to the smoke generated by smithies. For instance, a smith in Zurich was known as "Meister Roeuchli," literally "Mister Smoke," around 1468. The various branches of the Rauch and Raeuchlin families declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region.

Early History of the Rauch family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rauch research. Another 137 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1522, 1740, 1743, 1745, 1808 and 1814 are included under the topic Early Rauch History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rauch Spelling Variations

One can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Rauch include Raucher, Rauche, Raeuchlin, Reuchlin, Raeuchle, Rauck, Raucker, Raucke, Rauk, Rauker, Rauke, Smoak, Smoke, Ruch and many more.

Early Notables of the Rauch family

Prominent among members of the name Rauch in this period include

Rauch Ranking

In the United States, the name Rauch is the 4,002nd most popular surname with an estimated 7,461 people with that name. 1 However, in France, the name Rauch is ranked the 3,953rd most popular surname with an estimated 1,500 - 2,000 people with that name. 2


Rauch migration to the United States +

Thousands of German settlers came to North America between the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries. The hardships of the long voyage were balanced by the opportunity to escape poverty and religious persecution. The descendents of these settlers still populate the states of Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many also live in Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Rauch or a variant listed above:

Rauch Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Rauch Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Rauch migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Rauch Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Rauch (post 1700) +


Suggested Readings for the name Rauch +
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