Raspe

Raspe is a surname of German origin. In historical records it is associated with medieval noble families from the region of Thuringia in central Germany, and the name later spread through German-speaking areas and beyond as people migrated. The precise etymology is not universally agreed, and the name is generally treated as a traditional family name rather than a common noun.

Notable people with the surname Raspe include Rudolf Raspe (1736–1794), a German writer and editor who played a key role in popularizing the legends of Baron Münchhausen through his literary work and edition of the tales. Another historical figure is Heinrich Raspe (c. 1200–1247), a nobleman who became Landgrave of Thuringia in the mid-13th century, illustrating the name’s association with medieval aristocracy in the region.

Beyond these figures, the Raspe surname has appeared in various German-speaking contexts, including contemporary scholars, artists, and professionals. As a relatively uncommon surname, Raspe is most often encountered in genealogical and biographical references, where it is linked to historical lines in Thuringia and to the cultural prominence of Rudolf Raspe's Münchhausen contributions.