Surname Ruge - Meaning and Origin
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Untangling the Roots and Voyages of Ruge: An Unexpected Journey through my iGENEA DNA Test Results
Unveiling the secrets of my ancestry with an iGENEA DNA test, I traced the origins and rich historical background of my surname - Ruge. From Northern Germany roots to Viking and Celtic connections, I embarked on a surprise-filled, enlightening journey that redefined my understanding of my own identity and heritage.
A. Ruge
read moreRuge: What does the surname Ruge mean?
The surname Ruge is of German origin and it is believed to be derived from the Middle High German word "ruoch," which means "rough" or "wild". It is thought to have been used as a nickname initially, given to someone who was perceived as wild, untamed, or unrefined. Surnames based on nicknames were quite common in the Middle Ages and were often used to describe a person’s characteristics or behavior. However, like many surnames, the exact origin may be specific to a certain family and may have evolved differently among separate families with the same surname. So, it is always recommended to explore individual genealogical histories for a more accurate understanding.
Order DNA origin analysisRuge: Where does the name Ruge come from?
The last name Ruge is common today across much of Europe, particularly in the countries that were once part of the German Empire. Germany's borders have shifted over the years, which accounts for the geographic spread of the name. For example, it is still common in Germany today, but it is also found in the Netherlands, Poland and the Czech Republic. It can also be found in Austria, Switzerland and Denmark, as well as in a few areas of Russia and Norway.
Ruge is often an abbreviated form of the German name Rugen, which has been in use since at least the 12th century. However, some historians believe the name could have been derived from a personal name such as Ruggewin, its hypothetical original ancestor. Today, the surname is especially common in the German region of East Frisia, where it is among the top 100 last names.
Outside of Germany, the name Ruge can be found in the United States, Argentina, Brazil, France, Slovakia, and Spain. It is also relatively common in Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. In the United States, it is particularly common in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Mississippi and Missouri, likely due to the immigration of German settlers in the 19th century.
In summary, the last name Ruge is quite common today in many parts of Europe, especially in Germany and its former territories. However, it can also be found in areas around the world that experienced a large influx of German immigrants, such as the United States and Australia.
Variations of the surname Ruge
Ruge is an ancient surname derived from Old German, with various spellings and variants, such as Rugge, Roge, Rutge, Rug, Rouge, or Rugges. The name is derived from the Middle English word, "ruggen," which means "to rebuke, talk roughly or scold." The name could have been given as an occupation to someone associated with a rug maker or seller.
The earliest record of the surname can be traced to the 16th century, when Henrick Rugge was mentioned in the records of Dortmund in 1559. Throughout the centuries, the variations of the name eventually developed to its present form.
Later variants of the name in Europe include Ruggini in Italy, Rougé in France, Rugee in Norway, and Rugaard in Norway. In England, Roge and Rugge are more common than the original spelling of Ruge.
In the United States, the earliest recorded instances of Ruge are in the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam (now modern-day New York City) in 1647 and 1671, when Jan Thomasse Van Ruge and Hester Thomasse Van Ruge (respectively) arrived.
Today, the surname can be found all over the world, with many different variants and spellings. People with the surname can be of German, Scandinavian, French or even English ancestry.
Famous people with the name Ruge
- Antoine Ruge: politician from French Guiana who served in the French National Assembly
- Malka Ruge: Ethiopian oud player, vocalist and a multi- instrumentalist
- Alfred Ruge: German philosopher, theologian, and geographer
- Lundy Ruge: Canadian professional hockey player
- Peter Ruge: German entrepreneur and mindfulness trainer
- Nicole Ruge: German business journalist
- Auguste Ruge: German oncologist and radiologist
- Konrad Ruge: German geographer, geologist and geophysicist
- Horst Ruge: German painter, graphic artist and sculptor
- Heinz Ruge: German author, radio and television presenter