Surname Rulff - Meaning and Origin
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Rulff: What does the surname Rulff mean?
The surname Rulff, of German origin, is a patronymic, meaning that it is derived from the first name of the father of a family line. The given name at the root of the surname Rulff is Hruodolf, which is derived from the ancient Germanic name Hruod, meaning “fame” or “renown.” The suffix -ulf stem from the Old Germanic “wulf” which means “wolf.” Therefore, the surname Rulff can be interpreted to mean “renown wolf.”
The Wolf names were often given to those who were intrepid, brave and daring. A person with this surname was likely considered to possess these admirable qualities, since it was a strong statement to be named after a wolf. Throughout history, Rulff has been seen as a significant designation, with the wolf often representing strength and loyalty.
Rulff prominent families of this surname were found in the early 1600s, with members scattered throughout Bavaria, Hesse, and West Prussia (now Poland and parts of Russia). Regardless of where these families were located, the surname Rulff produced individuals of prominent stature, often being representatives in public service, pastors, and prominent members of society.
Today, individuals with the surname Rulff can be found throughout the world, with many of them living in the United States, Canada, and many European countries such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
Order DNA origin analysisRulff: Where does the name Rulff come from?
The last name Rulff is commonly found in the United States, Canada, and Germany. In the United States, it is most commonly found in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. In Canada, Rulff can be found in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. In Germany, the last name is concentrated in the northeastern part of the country, particularly in the states of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Brandenburg, and Thüringen.
The earliest known Rulff ancestor is Johannes Rulff, who was born in 1585 in Lippe, Germany. This surname has been in the family for over four centuries and is assumed to have been derived from the Dutch name 'Rulf'. The surname is believed to have originated from a place name linked to someone who lived near a settlement named 'Rulf' (possibly the name of a small town).
Today, Rulff is a rare surname, primarily found in the United States and Germany. However, the number of people who share this surname has increased as a result of increased immigration. In the United States, descendants of Rulff likely moved to Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan in the 19th century.
Overall, the last name Rulff is still commonly found in several parts of the United States, Canada, and Germany. Its origins remain a mystery, but it appears to have been around for at least 400 years. Despite its rarity, many people still proudly claim the name as their own.
Variations of the surname Rulff
The surname Rulff is believed to be of German, Dutch, or Scandinavian origin. Variants of this surname include Rulf, Ruff, Ryff, Raaf, Roff, and Rolf. Spellings of this surname include Rulffe, Raffe, de Rulff, de Rulf, Rulfie, and Rulfi.
In Germany, the surname Rulff is derived from the Middle High German word rüvel meaning “a valiant man or hero”. This would indicate that the original bearer of the surname owned either land or held a high social position. In the Netherlands, the surname Rulff is derived from the Dutch term hrolf meaning “wolf”. Similarly, many Scandinavian variants of Rulff are derived directly from the Old Norse hrolfr, meaning wolf as well.
Fricke is another surname of the same origin as Rulff, and it is derived from the Middle High German word vrick meaning “prison”. In medieval times, it was common to give children surnames based upon their birthplace or a physical feature visible in the region, and Fricke is believed to have indicated someone who lived in an area next to a prison, or someone who was associated with a prison in some way.
Klaus and Klasen are two less common former variants of Rulff which derive from the Middle High German word clus meaning “renowned”. In this case, the original bearer of the surname was likely given the name due to their renown or prowess in a certain skill or profession. One of the more uncommon variants of Rulff is Trulf, which is derived from the venture name “Truolf” and was assumed by a settler living on the edge of the Dutch forest of Truolf.
In conclusion, the surname Rulff has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin including, Rulf, Ruff, Ryff, Raaf, Roff, Rolf, Fricke, Klaus, Klasen, and Trulf.
Famous people with the name Rulff
- Johann Rulff, a German Calvinist pastor from Ansbach, Bavaria who became a renowned religious figure in the United States.
- Warren Rulff, an American professional basketball player who played for the Boston Celtics during the 1966–67 season.
- Vladimir Rulff, a Russian composer and pianist known for his mastery of the piano repertoire.
- Gustaf Rulff, a German chemist and physicist who made significant contributions to the field of uncertainty calculations.
- Thomas Rulff, a German hymn writer and author.
- Adolph Rulff, a German-American illustrator who is best known for his early comic strips.
- Staehl Rulff, a German politician important in the Weimar Republic.
- Anna Rulff, an Austrian-German feminist writer, poet, and Polymnastic educator of the 19th century.
- Lothar Rulff, a German theater actor from Weimar who also worked in film.
- Herbert Rulff, a German bassoonist, teacher, and composer of chamber music.