Roemer
A surname most likely from a Dutch word for “glory” or “renown,” though it can also reflect a name used for a Roman or pilgrim in some contexts.
The #9,186 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 86,946 Americans shares it.
Etymology
The 19th-century source given here explains Roemer as Dutch, connecting it with a word meaning “glory” or “renown,” and by extension “a praiser” or “boaster.” In wider onomastic use, the surname may also be related to German Roemer/Römer, from a word meaning “Roman,” often used for someone associated with Rome or, more loosely, a traveler or pilgrim. Because surnames of this shape can arise from more than one root, the exact origin often depends on the family line.
History
Roemer appears in German- and Dutch-speaking areas, and the spelling often reflects older forms without umlaut-marking. In English-language records, it commonly shows up among immigrant families from central Europe. The name can therefore preserve either a Dutch/German descriptive sense or a reference to a Roman connection, depending on the specific ancestry.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The German surname Römer is also the name of a famous historic building in Frankfurt, long associated with the city government.
From the historical record
“BOE. (Gaelic.) Red-haired. Nor. Fr., Ron, Rufus. ROEMER. (Dutch.) From Roem, glory, renown; a praiser, a boaster. ROGER. (Teutonic.) Rhu, rest, quiet, peace, and gard, a keeper; or Rhu-geren, one desirous of rest; Rodgarus, all counsel or strong counsel. ROLAND, ROLLIN, and RODLAND. • (Sax.) Counsel for the land.”
— An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names