Surname Ruf - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Uncovering the Germanic Roots and Celtic Connections of the Ruf Surname through iGENea DNA Testing
After exploring the depths of my DNA with the assistance of iGenie DNA testing, I gained significant insights into my historical lineage and cultural ancestry. My surname, Ruf, possesses strong Germanic roots and traces back to the vibrant community of ancient Celts, offering me an expanded sense of identity.
X. Ruf
read moreRuf: What does the surname Ruf mean?
The surname Ruf is of German origin and is derived from the old Germanic personal name "Hruodberht". It means "red" or "ruddy". The term was often used as a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. Over time, it developed into a surname. Like many surnames, it can be found in different regions and countries, reflecting the migration and settlement patterns of families and individuals over centuries. The spelling can vary slightly depending on geographic region and language, with examples including Ruff, Ruoff, Ruffe, and Rufe. Despite these variations, they all share the same basic origin and meaning.
Order DNA origin analysisRuf: Where does the name Ruf come from?
The last name Ruf is a common name in parts of Europe. It is particularly common in German-speaking countries including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also quite common in parts of France and Belgium, as well as in areas of the United States and Canada settled by German immigrants. In the United States, many of those bearing the last name Ruf have German ancestry and can trace their lineage back to Germany or Alsace-Lorraine.
The last name is believed to be derived from an old German word which means “red or flushed” in reference to a ruddy complexion. It likely originated from a nickname for someone who was of a fair complexion. It is thought to have then become a last name and to have been passed down through generations.
Today, people named Ruf can be found in all corners of the world. They form a tight-knit community that is scattered across the globe and is connected by shared heritage. Many of those with the Ruf surname are proud of their German heritage and take pride in their name.
Variations of the surname Ruf
The Ruf surname has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These surnames include Ruff, Rooph, Rufus, Reuf, Rufo, Roff, Ruffen, Rupff, Rufe, Rieff, Ruppe, and Riff.
Ruff is one of the oldest variant spellings for the Ruf surname. It derives from the Old German word, "ruof", which meant "red". This is likely why the Ruf surname was associated with the reddish hue of someone's hair.
Rufus is another variant spelling for the Ruf surname. This version is a Latinized form of the Old German name "Hrodebert". It was often used as a first name in Medieval Europe, but some families adopted it as their surname.
Reuf is an alternate spelling of the Ruf name. It is believed to be a middle German variant spelling, and is likely derived from the German word for "shrew".
Rufo is believed to be a Spanish variant of the Ruf surname. It is thought to be related to the Spanish terms for "red" or "reddish".
Roff is an Ashkenazi Jewish variant of the Ruf surname. It is derived from the German word for "tough", and is associated with determination and strength.
Ruffen is a Dutch variant spelling of the Ruf name. It is thought to be derived from the Old German word for "honor".
Rupff is an Austrian variant of the Ruf family name. It is derived from a Germanic term for "stubborn", which implies strong-willed people of the Ruf family.
Rufe is a rare variant spelling of the Ruf surname. It is thought to be a Low German variant spelling, and dates back as early as the 16th century.
Rieff is a variant spelling of the Ruf family name. It is a northern German variant, and is derived from the term for"warrior".
Ruppe is a Swedish variant spelling of the Ruf surname. It is from the Swedish word for "rower", possibly referring to someone who was a skilled oarsman.
Lastly, Riff is a variant spelling for the Ruf surname. It is likely derived from the Old German term "hroff", which means "sword of honor".
Famous people with the name Ruf
- Hans Ruf, a German actor featured in films such as Off the Black and the television series D/A: Crime Scene Investigation.
- Jeannine Ruf, an American scientist and inventor, best known for developing the Ruf separation system, a filter for separating suspended particles from water.
- Christoph Ruf, a Swiss businessman and owner of the Berkshir-Ruf Group, a Swiss luxury leather and fur goods company.
- Michele Ruf, an Italian pastel and watercolor artist who specializes in marine painting.
- Tausha Ruf, an American journalist and editor, former managing editor at Forbes and deputy editor at Time magazine.
- Katharina Ruf, a German operatic soprano, known for her extensive repertoire and for her notable performances in the title roles of Puccini’s Tosca and Turandot.
- Kurt Ruf, an Austrian jazz and classical guitarist and composer.
- Silke Ruf, a German tennis player who was once ranked in the top 40 of the WTA rankings.
- Mario Ruf, a German actor and director, famous for his television films such as First Love and Safe Zone.
- Andre Ruf, a Swiss international footballer who spent his career playing in the Swiss Super League.