Surname Ruhfaut - Meaning and Origin
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Ruhfaut: What does the surname Ruhfaut mean?
The surname Ruhfaut is of German origin. The family name is derived from two elements: the German word “Ruh” meaning 'rest' and the word “faut” meaning 'to find’. When combined, these two elements create the meaning of 'to find rest'. It is a surname which has been found to be primarily located in Germany, and is also found in other parts of Europe such as Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
The Ruhfaut surname was first found in Germany during the Middle Ages. The oldest family of record was found in Westfalia, Netherlands in 1211. This family name dates back to the 13th century when it was used to refer to a person who lived in a place where they could “find rest”.
Throughout history, the surname has witnessed several spelling changes, including Ruhfaut, Rufaut, Ruffaut, and Rupfaut. Additionally, the surname has spread through immigration across the globe. Some of the earliest immigrants to the United States include Wilhelm Ruffaut, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1695, and Johan Ruffaut who settled in Pennsylvania in 1750.
Overall, the last name Ruhfaut has a long history connected to German origin and has since been spread around the world with the help of immigration. This surname has also evolved in spelling across the centuries, yet has managed to maintain its original meaning of “to find rest”.
Order DNA origin analysisRuhfaut: Where does the name Ruhfaut come from?
The last name Ruhfaut is most commonly found in countries with German roots. In the last US Census it was reported that about 7,400 people in the country bore the Ruhfaut surname. This surname is believed to have originated from the old Germanic word "rouhf" which means "proud".
Ruhfaut can be found in Germany, where it has been recorded since the 11th century. The family can be found mainly in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, but also in some parts of Bavaria.
Ruhfaut is also found in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Luxembourg. Most of its origin lies in the Alsace region of France and in the Flanders region of Belgium. In both regions, it is associated with a small number of families.
The surname is also found in parts of the former Austro-Hungarian empire, primarily in the present-day Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia and Slovenia. This suggests that, as with many Germanic last names, its spread beyond the Germanic border was influenced by migration.
Overall, Ruhfaut is not a very common last name. But it is most common in countries of Germanic origin where its linguistic roots come from.
Variations of the surname Ruhfaut
Ruhfaut is an uncommon surname of German origin. It is derived from the Germanic surname Rufold, and was most likely given as an occupational name to someone who worked as a messenger or who served as a spokesman.
The spelling of the name varies, with the most common variants being: Ruhfaut, Ruhfolt, Ruhfohlt, Ruefault, and Ruefolt. Other less common variants can include: Ruffault, Ruffolt, Rufault, Rufohlt, Rufold, Ruphault, Ruphold, Rupfault, and Rupfohlt.
There are also many surnames which have the same origin as Ruhfaut, including: Ruffo, Ruf, Rufs, Rupf, Ruppelt, Ruppert, Rupprecht, Rüb, and Rhodet.
In addition to the variants and alternate spellings, there are also many surname variations of Ruhfaut that have evolved over time, including: Hooker, Raiff, Rayfus, Rafferty, Refuge, Roffey, Rooke, Rowley, and Royle.
All of these surnames of German origin ultimately stem from the name Rufold, and can easily be traced throughout history using genealogical records.
Famous people with the name Ruhfaut
- William Aaron Ruhfaut: American aviator and Major in the US Army Air Corps, who received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service in World War II.
- Emil Ruhfaut: German composer and music theorist during the 19th century.
- Sam Ruhfaut: American professional snowboarder and X Games champion.
- Bill Ruhfaut: Major League Baseball pitcher who played from 1899-1901.
- Stephen Ruhfaut: Australian botanist and horticulturist who made many contributions to the science of garden design.
- Lisa Ruhfaut: American best-selling author of numerous books on drawing, color theory, illustration, and design.
- Moana Ruhfaut: Tongan singer, songwriter and actress.
- Laura Ruhfaut: French turn-of-the-century singer and actress.
- Henri Ruhfaut: French journalist, playwright, and theatre director.
- Robin Ruhfaut: Swiss editor, lawyer, and diplomat.