Surname Ruhl - Meaning and Origin
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K. Ruhl
read moreRuhl: What does the surname Ruhl mean?
The surname Ruhl is of German origin and it is derived from the Middle High German term "ruh" which means "peace" or "rest". Sometimes, it is also believed to be associated with the old German word "ruel" which means "wheel" and perhaps used as a nickname for a wheel maker or wheelwright. However, in many cases, Ruhl is an occupational surname that signifies the professions related to peace-making, counseling, arbitration, or similar roles in the society. It's also frequently seen in areas of Germany, France, and the Netherlands. As with many surnames, there may be various historical and regional variations or interpretations of the name Ruhl.
Order DNA origin analysisRuhl: Where does the name Ruhl come from?
The last name Ruhl is a German-origin surname, derived from the Middle High German word rûele, meaning "one who is bound." It is most commonly found today throughout Germany, especially in the northern and western regions, where it is one of the more popular surnames. It is also prevalent in Austria, particularly in the south of the country, and in Switzerland. The surname is also found in other central and north European countries; for example, it is common in Lithuania and the Czech Republic. It is found more rarely in other countries of Europe, but can also be found in South Africa and the United States.
In America, Ruhl is most popular in Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. Documentation from U.S. Census Bureau surveys suggest that the last name has been present in the United States since the late 19th century. It has likely been imported to the United States by German immigrants who were seeking to make a better life for themselves and their families.
Today, the Ruhl surname is one of the more common and recognizable names in German-speaking areas, as well as in other parts of Europe and the United States. Given its German roots, the name continues to be used in many distinct spellings such as Ruhl, Ruhle, Ruhland, Ruel, Rühl, and Rühle, making it even more diverse.
Variations of the surname Ruhl
The surname Ruhl can be one of many different spellings, including Ruhl, Ruhle, Rohl, Rool, Ruhel, Ruehl, and Rehl. Each of these is a distinct surname, though they all have the same origin.
Ruhl is a German surname, with its roots in Germany during the Middle Ages. This surname was first popularized in the area of Bavaria and Hesse, near the city of Frankfurt. It is a variation of the name Ruodlieb, a Germanic given name derived from a personal name meaning “famous warrior”.
Over time, there have been several different spellings of the Ruhl surname, due to the fluctuating spelling of German surnames. In the late 16th century, when people distributed and spread names, there were very little standardization in spelling due to the region they lived in or dialect they spoke. Variations like Rohl, Rool, and Rehl were also used as alternate spellings.
The Ruhl surname is also popular in the Netherlands and some parts of Europe. Dutch spellings of the surname include Ruhel and Ruehl.
Regardless of the spelling, all the derivatives of Ruhl are all related and share a common ancestor.
Famous people with the name Ruhl
- Sarah Ruhl: an American Pulitzer Prize-nominated novelist and playwright
- Linda Ruhl: a former member of the American women's national softball team
- Olga Ruhl: an early twentieth-century Austrian-American landscape and portrait painter
- Daniel Ruhl: a former American professional football player
- Charles Ruhl: an American silent film actor
- Arnold Ruhl: a German classical scholar
- Bob Ruhl: an American actor, director, singer and songwriter
- Max Ruhl: an early twentieth century American chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author
- Karl Ruhl: a German-American scientist and inventor
- Clare Ruhl: an American music educator, conductor, and composer