Roe

The name Roe has multiple potential origins. As an English surname, it is often a topographical name for someone who lived near a 'roe' (a deer) or a habitational name from a place named with this element. It could also be a nickname for someone thought to resemble a roe deer in some way. As a given name, it is more commonly a short form or diminutive of names beginning with 'Ro-', such as Robert or Rowland, or even a direct adoption of the surname.

In some cases, particularly in German contexts, 'Roe' might be a variant of 'Rauh' or 'Rau', which means 'rough' or 'hairy'. However, the English 'roe' (deer) connection is more prevalent for the given name. Its usage as a given name, especially in the United States, has seen it adopted for both boys and girls, often as a short, punchy name or as a nod to family surnames.