Rolfe

Rolfe is a surname of English origin. It is thought to derive from the Old English personal name Hrolf, meaning "wolf-fame." The name likely originated in Norfolk, England, and spread throughout the English-speaking world.

Notable individuals with the surname Rolfe include John Rolfe, an English colonial leader who played a significant role in the early history of Jamestown, Virginia. He is credited with introducing a new strain of tobacco to the colony that proved highly profitable and contributed to its survival. Rolfe also married Pocahontas, the daughter of Chief Powhatan.

Another notable Rolfe was Horatio Nelson Rolfe, an American inventor who patented a steam engine in 1882. In the field of aviation, Charles Rolfe was a British aviation pioneer who made significant contributions to aircraft design and construction in the early 20th century. More recently, figures such as Fred Rolfe, a Canadian politician, and Jane Rolfe, an American actress, have carried the name. The surname continues to be present in various countries, particularly those with historical ties to British settlement.