Rosser History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Wales 


The Welsh name Rosser is a patronymic surname created from the Welsh personal name Rosser, which also took the form Rhosier. The surname Rosser was originally ap-Rosser or ap-Rhosier: the distinctive Welsh patronymic prefix "ab" or "ap," means "son of," but the prefix has been assimilated into the surname over the course of time. There has also been suggestion that the name is a Welsh transformation of the Gaelic name "Mac Ruaidhri."

Early Origins of the Rosser family

The surname Rosser was first found in Herefordshire, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects. The form Rosser was found in Chancery, where a Morres Rosser was recorded in Wales in 1100, in the "Calendar of Proceedings in Chancery" published during the reign of Elizabeth I in the 16th century.

Early History of the Rosser family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rosser research. Another 106 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1200 and 1237 are included under the topic Early Rosser History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rosser Spelling Variations

Although there are not an extremely large number Welsh surnames, there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations of those surnames. This variety of spellings began almost immediately after the acceptance of surnames within Welsh society. As time progressed, these old Brythonic names were eventually were recorded in English. This process was problematic in that many of the highly inflected sounds of the native language of Wales could not be properly captured in English. Some families, however, did decide to modify their own names to indicate a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even a patriotic affiliation. The name Rosser has seen various spelling variations: Prosser, Prousser, Proser, Prouser, Prossar, Rosser, Roser, Rossear and many more.

Early Notables of the Rosser family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was

Rosser Ranking

In the United States, the name Rosser is the 3,910th most popular surname with an estimated 7,461 people with that name. 1


Rosser migration to the United States +

The Welsh migration to North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries contributed greatly to its rapid development. These migrants were in search of land, work, and freedom. Those Welsh families that survived the long ocean journey were critical to the development of new industries and factories, and to the quick settlement of land. They also added to an ever-growing rich cultural heritage. A search of the immigration and passenger lists has shown a number of people bearing the name Rosser:

Rosser Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Rosser Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Rosser Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Rosser migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Rosser Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Rosser migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Rosser Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Rosser (post 1700) +


Suggested Readings for the name Rosser +
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