Surname Ruffner - Meaning and Origin
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Ruffner: What does the surname Ruffner mean?
The surname Ruffner is of German origin, it is derived from the Middle High German term "ruof" which means "roof". In the medieval times, surnames were often derived from a person's occupation. Ruffner thus was likely an occupational surname given to a person who worked as a roofer or a thatcher. The name may also have come from a house sign, a common practice in pre-surname times, where the house or the inn might well have a sign with a roof on it serving as its identity. This name is predominantly found in the southern provinces of Germany, with it being especially common in the Swabian area. As with many surnames, variations including Ruff, Ruffer, and Rufner can be found across different regions and time periods. Today, the Ruffner last name can be found amongst families in many parts of the world, as a result of migration over centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisRuffner: Where does the name Ruffner come from?
The last name Ruffner is most frequently found in the United States, though it's also found in countries like Canada, Mexico, and Germany. In the US, the majority of individuals with the surname live in the Northeast and Midwest, with concentrations in New York and Pennsylvania. The name is especially prominent in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, where it ranks in the top 1,000 surnames for both states.
The surname dates back to Germany, where it was thought to be derived from the Middle High German term “ruffen,” which describes a Medieval soldier. It is believed that the name belonged to a person who was related to a soldier or was a soldier himself.
In addition to the United States, the Ruffner name is found in countries like Canada, where it is particularly concentrated in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. It is also found in Mexico and Germany, though at much lower rates.
The Ruffner surname is both a common and a distinct name. Its German roots have ensured that individuals with the last name have remained loyal to its origins while spread throughout the United States and other countries. Its presence in so many different locations is a testament to the family’s hardworking spirit and adventurous spirit that has endured throughout the centuries.
Variations of the surname Ruffner
Ruffner is a surname of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German "ruof" and the Old High German "ruof", both meaning "proud". Other variants of the surname include Rüfner, Rufener, Rüffner, Roufner, Ruffene, Roefener, Roffener, Ruffener, Ruffenn, and Ruffen.
In Germany, the surname Rüfner can be found in the northernmost parts near the Rhine River, where it is most commonly found. In southwest Germany, Rufener is more common. Elsewhere in the German-speaking world, the most common spelling is Rüffner.
Derivatives of the surname Ruffner include Raffe, Raffen, Ruffel, Rauf, Raufen, Raub, Rauben, and Raubach. The most common variant of the surname outside of the German-speaking area is Roffener.
In the United States, the most common spelling is Ruffner. Ruffner can also be found in the United Kingdom, Scotland, and Ireland. The French equivalent of Ruffner is Roufner.
In conclusion, the surname Ruffner is a Germanic surname derived from the Middle High German and Old High German words for "proud". It has many variants and derivatives in German-speaking nations as well as other areas around the world. These variants and spellings include Rüfner, Rufener, Rüffner, Roufner, Ruffene, Roefener, Roffener, Ruffener, Ruffenn, Raffe, Raffen, Ruffel, Rauf, Raufen, Raub, Rauben, and Raubach. In the United States and the United Kingdom, however, the most common variant is Ruffner.
Famous people with the name Ruffner
- Steve Ruffner: Steve was the president of Bose Corporation from 2012 to 2019 and continues to serve as an advisor to the company.
- Chris Ruffner: Chris is the founder and CEO of his startup championship paintball team. He also runs grassroots business camps and is a respected voice in the international paintball community.
- James Ruffner: James is a retired American football player who played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys.
- Carlie Ruffner: Carlie is a professional marathon runner who was recently crowned the winner of the GoPro Mountain Games.
- Joe Ruffner: Joe is an award-winning actor who has been in numerous TV shows, such as Castle, Grey's Anatomy, and Bones.
- Mark Ruffner: Mark is a world renowned artist and sculptor whose works have been displayed in several prominent galleries and museums.
- Alan Ruffner: Alan is an accomplished political commentator who publishes his views in several newspapers and articles.
- Nicole Ruffner: Nicole is a vocally trained singer who regularly performs on stage and in recording sessions.
- Paul Ruffner: Paul is a prominent legal figure who acted as a partner in a prominent law firm and was later promoted to Senior Vice President.
- David Ruffner: David is an influential businessman and entrepreneur who runs a multi-million dollar real estate company.