Surname Rulof - Meaning and Origin

Rulof: What does the surname Rulof mean?

The last name Rulof is a German surname derived from the Old German word "hruolf," which means "famous wolf." Because of its meaning, this last name could have been given to a family with a reputation for courage and strength. Many people nicknamed "Rulof" also gained a reputation of wily intelligence.

The Rulof family is an ancient one, with records of their existence going back to the 9th century. In some parts of Germany, the Rulof family has remained largely in the same region since that time. The original spelling of the name was more likely to have been "hruolf," as it was more common for names to be adapted as spelling conventions changed.

Given the presence of the name in Germany for so many centuries, it is likely that the Rulof family has seen its share of wars, revolutions, and other upheavals. The Rulofs would likely have been among the villagers during the Thirty Years War, and even the Napoleonic Wars. Many Rulofs may also have fought in World War I and World War II.

In the modern world, the Rulof family continues to be present in towns and cities across Germany. The last name now features more prominently in business records, as many of the Rulofs have become successful entrepreneurs over the years.

No matter the century, the Rulof family has always been known for their strength and intelligence. With a heritage stretching back more than a thousand years, the Rulof family is undoubtedly one of the oldest and most respected in all of Germany.

Rulof: Where does the name Rulof come from?

The last name Rulof is most commonly found in Holland, Germany, France, Belgium, and Scandinavia. Rulof is derived from the given name Rudolf (or Rudolph) which was a popular Germanic name in the Middle Ages. Although not widely used anymore, the last name Rulof can still be found in some regions and countries today.

In Europe, Rulof is the 26th most common surname in the Netherlands and can be found mainly in the North Sea provinces of Groningen, Friesland, and Zeeland. It is also found in Berlin, Hamburg, and other parts of Germany. In France, it is found mainly in the Franche-Comté region in the east, as well as some parts of Burgundy, Loire, and Poitou-Charentes. Smaller numbers of Rulofs can also be found in Liège and the Walloon part of Belgium, as well as parts of Scandinavia, mainly in Sweden and Norway.

In the United States, the last name is most likely to come from Dutch ancestry, though it may also have German roots. Rulof can commonly be found in Brooklyn, New York, where many immigrants moved into the area in the 19th century, as well as in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Illinois. It is also common matter in Louisiana, due to the influx of Dutch and German immigrants who settled there after the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.

In the United Kingdom, Rulof is a rare surname, with very few traced occurrences. It is believed to have originated from Dutch immigrants arriving in London, Liverpool, or Hull in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variations of the surname Rulof

The surname Rulof is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Germanic elements hrod meaning 'fame' and wolf meaning 'wolf'. Variations of this surname include Ruloff, Roelofs, Rolfs, Rollofs, and Rouloff. In addition, Ruloffe and Ruloph are alternate spellings.

The surname is found predominately in Germany, but has spread to various other countries over the centuries, including the United States. A variety of different ways to spell the same name exist, however, all are essentially just spelling variants of the original surname.

In the United States, the surname is most commonly found in the Midwest, particularly in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota. In the United Kingdom, its presence is very limited.

Variants of the surname at other countries include Rulofsen (Netherlands), Rouloff (Belgium), Roelofsen (Denmark), Roloff (Switzerland), Rauloff (Latvia) and Ruloffski (Russia).

It is likely that most people who bear this surname are descended from the same ancestral family, but the spelling has evolved over many generations. It is possible that different branches of the same family may have kept different spellings, which explains how a variety of different spellings exist. Furthermore, the variations in spelling over the centuries may also be due to changes in pronunciation or simply errors made by bureaucratic officials during the registration process. The various spellings indicate that although the roots of the local may very well be shared, individuals are likely to have distinct and varied genealogical lines.

Famous people with the name Rulof

• Joost Rulof: Dutch illusionist, theatre performer, and influential figure in the magic industry.
• Betty Rulof: Dutch writer of children's books
• Rob Rulof: Dutch actor and recording artist
• Henk Rulof: Dutch entrepreneur, best known as the founder of the home improvement product company Rulofbeton
• Gay Rulof: American jewelry designer and fabricator
• Fontaine Rulof: Dutch social entrepreneur and gender equality consultant
• Bob Rulof: American mobster and enforcer for the Colombo crime family
• Tony Rulof: Dutch television presenter
• Peter Rulof: Dutch professional cyclist
• Calvin Rulof: Dutch stand-up comedian and former radio DJ

Other surnames

RuloffRulofs