Surname Rutter - Meaning and Origin

Exploring Lineage through iGENEA: A Journey Into the Deeps of the Rutter Legacy

Embarking on a DNA journey, I chose iGENEA to uncover the mystery behind my surname, Rutter. The test offered an exciting venture into my genealogy, exploring my roots and connecting me to a broader family tree, a captivating experience that brought a banquet of enriching knowledge.

M. Rutter

Rutter: What does the surname Rutter mean?

The last name "Rutter" is of English origin and is believed to have derived from the Old English term "rudder" or "rother," which translates to “a steer” or “a cattle.” This essentially suggests that the earliest known people with this surname may have been cattle operators or herdsmen, providing a connection to a trade or profession which was common during the medieval period. Some researchers also believe that "Rutter" could be tied to the term "router" or "rutter" referring to a person who worked as a player of a musical instrument, particularly the rote or crowd, a type of medieval stringed instrument. This implies a possible connection to a musical background. As with most surnames, the exact origins may vary based on different family lineages.

Rutter: Where does the name Rutter come from?

The last name Rutter is of English origin and is becoming increasingly popular in the United Kingdom. However, it is found all over the world. According to WorldNames PublicProfiler, the surname Rutter is most concentrated in England, particularly in the counties of Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Wiltshire, and Somerset. This surname is listed as the 363rd most common name in England, ranked by frequency.

The surname is also found in the United States, especially in the Midwestern and Northeastern regions. It ranks 16,376th in terms of its frequency in the United States. States with the most people bearing the Rutter surname are Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

The Rutter name is also scattered throughout the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, and Australia. Even though the last name is widely dispersed, it is still not as common as some other family names.

The origin of the Rutter surname likely derives from a location in some part of England known as Rutter or Ruthter. The place name is derived from the Old English words ‘hryther,’ which translates to ‘heather-covered place,’ and ‘cote,’ which means ‘small house or hut’. Rutter may have also been a nickname for someone living near such a place.

It is believed that the Rutter family is descended from the Anglo-Saxon settlers of Britain in the 5th century. Many family histories trace back to the small villages of England in the 17th century and the word might have evolved over time as the family moved to different parts of the country. Regardless of its origin, the Rutter surname is still recognized and used in numerous countries to this day.

Variations of the surname Rutter

The surname Rutter can have several different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common alternative spelling of the surname is Rutters or Rotters. Other spellings include Rutterer, Rutterrer, and Ruttererr. Other variants which have been used include Ruther, Rooter, Rutherfords, and Rotterdam.

The surname can also be a derivative of the Middle English personal name Rutter or Rother, which is derived from the Old English hrothrath, meaning ‘red stream’. Variants of this surname can also include Rother, Rothery, Root, Rout, and Routh.

The surname also has Scottish origins, where it is of both occupational and residential origin, derived from the Old English hroth or rothe, meaning ‘clearing’. In this variant, surnames related to Rutter can include Rothel, Routh, Routel, and Routen.

There are several surnames which are also derived from the same original source, such as Rauth, Roweth, Roth, Rout, and Roeth. These names are derived from the Middle English routhe, which also has the same meaning as Rutter.

Finally, there are also variants of the surname which may have French roots, including Ruters, Routier, Routhier, and Rotier. These derivatives are derived from the Old French rotier, which means 'one with a wheel', and was likely an occupational name for a wagoner or charioteer.

Famous people with the name Rutter

• Philip Rutter: English dentist, known for some of his early work in the field of orthodontics.
• John Rutter: English composer, conductor, editor, arranger and record producer.
• William Rutter: American paleontologist and geologist.
• Jean Rutter: Retired English figure skating champion.
• James E. Rutter: American professor in the department of integrative physiology at the University of California, Berkeley.
• Susan Rutter: Award-winning stage director and dramaturg.
• John Rutter Ford: Henry Ford's third child and automobile industry executive.
• Roger Rutter: English television, film, and theater director.
• Harry Rutter: Welsh rugby union player.
• Iain Rutter: Scottish motorcycle racer.
• Brian Rutter: Canadian politician and academic.
• Corinne Rutter: Welsh harpist and former professor in music at Guildhall School of Music.
• William R. Rutter: Chairman emeritus and former CEO of Chiron Corporation.
• Charlie Rutter: Australian professional rugby league footballer.
• Brian Rutter: Professional video producer and director.
• Aidan Rutter: English professional football player.
• Jeffrey Rutter: American molecular biologist, bioengineer, and professor in chemical engineering at the University of Washington.
• Anthony Rutter: English computer scientist and software engineer.
• David Rutter: British businessman and entrepreneur.
• Briar Rutter: Canadian actor, singer, and voice-over artist.

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