Rothschild (Ger. pron. rot'shilt). The name of a celebrated family of bankers and financiers.

Meyer Anselm Rothschild was born at Frankfort in 1743. He was designed for the priesthood, but showed more aptitude for commercial pursuits, and laid the foundations of his family's fortune by his success as the banker of the Elector of Hesse-Cassel. Died 1812.

His son, Nathan, was born in 1777. He went to England in 1800 as agent for his father, after whose death he greatly extended his business, acting in co-partnership with his brothers, who resided in various European capitals. Died 1836.

His eldest son, Lionel de Rothschild, was born in 1808. Was elected Whig member for the city of London in 1847, but did not take his seat until the passing of the Jewish Disabilities Bill in 1858. Died 1879.

Nathaniel Mayer, born 1840, eldest son of Lionel, was raised to peerage in 1885. Died 1915.

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