Surname Ruddis - Meaning and Origin
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Ruddis: What does the surname Ruddis mean?
The surname Ruddis (sometimes spelled Rudis) originated as a patronymic surname, and is believed to mean ‘son of Rudd’. Although no specific meaning of Rudd can be firmly established, some people have hypothesized that it is derived from the Old Norse name Rúdærr or Rodr, both of which imply another connection to the Scandinavian and Viking eras. Alternatively, Ruddis may have come from the Gaelic name Robert or Roderick.
The origins of the Ruddis surname are believed to stretch back to pre-medieval England. Records suggest it may have been in existence as far back as the 12th century, and was likely brought into use in the northwestern regions of the country due to the influence of Norman and Viking settlers. Since then, the name has been carried on through the centuries and has spread throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and even overseas.
No matter the precise meaning of Ruddis, this surname is associated with an ancient and proud history. For those that carry the name, it is a reminder of forebears who may have fostered a long-standing loyalty to the crown and stood their ground. It can also remind us of British ancestors who pushed the boundaries of exploration and made tremendous contributions to our world.
Order DNA origin analysisRuddis: Where does the name Ruddis come from?
The last name Ruddis is most prevalent in the United States today. According to the US Census Bureau, the name Ruddis ranks as the 8th most common surname in the US, with approximately 90,000 individuals having the surname. It is most commonly found in the South and Midwest regions of the country, with the greatest concentrations of people with the last name existing in Kentucky (34%), Texas (17%), and Virginia (14%).
The surname likely originates as an altered form of German and Jewish surnames with similar roots, such as Rudi or Rudes. It is believed to be derived from the first name Rued, which in turn came from a medieval Germanic word meaning “red”, and was often used as a nickname for someone with red hair or a red beard. The surname could also be derived from the Old English word rude, which referred to a person who was of low social standing.
Today, many people with the last name Ruddis are likely descendants of English, German, and/or Jewish immigrants who settled in the US during the 1700s and 1800s. There is also a tiny population of Ruddis in Eastern Europe, specifically the Ukraine, Belarus, and Lithuania. In general, the last name is a rare find outside of the US. However, its prevalence within the United States indicates that the name will likely remain a common last name within the nation for many years to come.
Variations of the surname Ruddis
Ruddis is a surname with multiple spellings and variants originating from the old english and Welsh word “rhudd”, meaning red.
Common variants, transliterations and similar surnames include:
Roudes, Rudd, Ruddes, Ruddsch, Ruddy, Rudde, Rude, Rudes, Ruddick, Ruddick, Ruddock, Ruddoc, Ruddoch, Rudduck, Ruddy, Rudin, Rudne, Rudnick, Rudnicki, Rudolff, Rudo, Rudorf, Rudorff, Rudowsky, Rudowicz, Rudzik, Ruth, Rutt, Rutte, Rutte.
The Ruddis surname was most popular in the United Kingdom and Ireland in the 19th century, with some emigrating to the United States during the Great Migration. The name is still primarily found in the UK and Ireland, but can be found in other parts of the world including Europe, Canada, and New Zealand.
Although similar surnames can suggest common ancestry, only the original Ruddis spelling can definitively trace a family line back to a common ancestor. Those bearing a variation of the surname should take a DNA test to identify their specific origin.
Famous people with the name Ruddis
- Tim Ruddis: Founder of the Celebrant Institute of Ireland
- Charles Ruddis: Former professional Australian rules footballer
- Julie Ruddis: American musician and songwriter
- John Ruddis: Former professional British rugby league footballer
- Chas Ruddis: English cricket player
- Cliff Ruddis: British stuntman
- Lauren Ruddis: American actress
- Isabella Ruddis: Brazilian soccer player
- Matthew Ruddis: American television and film producer
- Jakob Ruddis: Norwegian ice skater