Surname Ruddock - Meaning and Origin
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Ruddock: What does the surname Ruddock mean?
The surname Ruddock is of Old English origin. It is derived from the personal name "Rodd," plus the suffix "ock," which means "little" or "affectionate." Thus, "Ruddock" could mean "little Rodd" or "affectionate Rodd." Alternatively, it can also be derived from the Old English word "rudduc," which means "robin." In medieval times, it was common to name people after birds and animals, so it's possible that the name Ruddock came from someone who was associated with or resembled a robin. The surname is widespread across the United Kingdom, particularly in Northern England, and also found in Ireland. As with other surnames, there may be different origins for different families bearing this name. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William Rudoc, dating back to 1327, in the "Subsidy Rolls of Somerset." Like many surnames, the spelling has evolved over time and can appear in various forms including Ruddick, Rudduck, Roddick, Rodick, and Ruddock. Historically, surnames served as a method of distinguishing individuals with the same first name, identifying individuals by their trade or profession, or signifying patronage or locality.
Order DNA origin analysisRuddock: Where does the name Ruddock come from?
The last name Ruddock is most common today in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Wales. In England and Wales, it ranks 159th out of 74,541 in terms of frequency, with approximately 1,070 people having the name. In Scotland, it ranks 349th out of 34,480 surnames, with approximately 70 people bearing the Ruddock name, and in Northern Ireland it ranks 390th out of 6,326 with 50 people having the name.
The last name Ruddock is also present in the United States, although much less common than in the United Kingdom. According to estimates, there are around 3,000 to 5,000 people with the name Ruddock in the United States.
Ruddock is also common in certain parts of Canada, including Ontario and Nova Scotia, where the name is relatively common.
The surname Ruddock has its origin in the Middle Ages and means “Ruddock’s red water", referring to a stream or a river. The name may also have come from a place name, derived from the Anglo-Saxon word “Ruddoc” which means “red” or “the reddish one”.
Due to its origin, the last name Ruddock is commonly found in parts of the United Kingdom that had a significant Anglo-Saxon presence in the past, such as East Anglia and the Midlands. However, it is most common in England, particularly in areas stretching from Hampshire in the south, to Yorkshire in the north.
In addition, the last name Ruddock is common throughout Australia and New Zealand as a result of migration from the United Kingdom during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Variations of the surname Ruddock
The surname Ruddock is a variant of the English name Raddick or Rudderick, which can be traced back to the Old English name ‘Hrēodrīc’. Common variants of the surname Ruddock include Rudyck, Riddick, Ruddoch, Ruddock, Raddick, Roddick, and Ruttick.
The primary spelling of the surname is Ruddock, and derivatives of this spelling can be found in many countries around the world. For example, in Scotland the variants Roddick and Ruddoch are commonly used, while in Wales the surname Riddle is a variant of Ruddock.
In the United States, the surname Ruddock is most commonly found in the states of Kentucky, Virginia, and North Carolina. The surnames Rudack, Ruttick, and Rudick are also common in the United States, where they are derived from the surname Ruddock.
In the UK, the surnames Riddick and Raddick are most commonly found, while in Ireland, the surnames Riddle, Rhoderick, and Roddy are some of the more common derivatives of Ruddock.
Overall, Ruddock is a surname with many variants and spellings, and is a testament to the global migration of people throughout history. It is a surname that is closely associated with many countries, cultures and regions around the world.
Famous people with the name Ruddock
- Mark Ruddock: Australian journalist and news anchor.
- Spencer Ruddock: former English cricketer and team coach.
- Marisa Ruddock: Co-founder of Not Impossible Now, a social impact company.
- Reuben Ruddock: Former Welsh professional footballer.
- Baron Ruddock: Former British civil servant.
- William Ruddock: Former Member of Parliament for Birmingham.
- Irwin Ruddock: American cinematographer and assistant director.
- Joe Ruddock: British Paralympic wheelchair athlete.
- Kim Ruddock: Canadian actress.
- Francis Ruddock: British fencer at the 1936 Summer Olympics.
- David Ruddock: British Anglican cleric.
- Frances Ruby Ruddock: Australian artist.
- Paul Lewis Ruddock: British businessman.
- Jonathan Ruddock: British theatre actor and director.