Rousseau
The origin of the surname Rousseau
Rousseau is a diminutive of roux, “red-haired.”
What kind of surname is Rousseau?
As a descriptive surname (or nickname name), the surname Rousseau arose from a personal characteristic — a physical trait, a quality of temperament, or a distinguishing feature of its first bearer. Communities have always coined nicknames, and in the age before fixed surnames these vivid, affectionate or teasing labels — referring to hair colour, stature, complexion or character — frequently became hereditary. Descriptive surnames give an unusually human glimpse of an ancestor, hinting at how they looked or how they were regarded by the people around them.
How French surnames work
French surnames grew from patronymics, occupations (Boucher, “butcher”), locational names (often with “de”, “du” or “des”), and descriptive nicknames. Norman French carried many into England after 1066, and centuries of French pronunciation smoothed their forms. Regional languages such as Breton and Occitan added further distinctive names.
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Rousseau mean?
The surname Rousseau means Little red-haired one. Rousseau is a diminutive of roux, “red-haired.”
Where does the surname Rousseau come from?
Rousseau is a surname of French origin.
What kind of surname is Rousseau?
Rousseau is a descriptive surname, originally describing a physical or personal characteristic.
How common is the surname Rousseau in the United States?
Rousseau ranks #4,185 among U.S. surnames (2010 U.S. Census), recorded for about 7,854 people.