Surname Runkle - Meaning and Origin

Runkle: What does the surname Runkle mean?

The last name Runkle is of German origin and has several potential meanings. It could be derived from the German verb "runken", meaning to swell or to heave, suggesting an early ancestor had a reputation of strength and power. Alternately, Runkle may have been derived from the German phrase "Runkelrüben" meaning "roughly-cut turnips". This could imply that an early ancestor was a farmer or vegetable merchant.

Runkle is also a place name, with several small villages in Germany being derived from the name. This suggests there may have been an ancestor who hailed from one of these villages. Finally, it may have been derived from the German word "runzel", meaning wrinkle. This could indicate the first bearer of the name was an old man.

Overall, the last name Runkle likely has multiple potential meanings and origins. Its roots trace back to Germany and there is a possibility its meaning comes from strength, farming, vegetables, or age.

Runkle: Where does the name Runkle come from?

The last name Runkle is not particularly common in the United States today, and is most commonly found in certain areas of the Midwest. Most notably, the surname Runkle is most commonly associated with the state of Ohio. Specifically, the counties of Darke, Highland, and Warren have a higher concentration of Runkles than most other parts of the country.

Outside the Midwest, Runkles may be found in pockets throughout the U.S. and Canada. There is a small population of Runkles in Pennsylvania, as well as a few in New York. There are scattered populations throughout Virginia, and somewhat higher population centers in North Carolina and South Carolina. Runkles may also be found in Australia, Israel, the UK, and Germany.

In the U.S., the Runkle surname originated in Germany and was brought to the states by Pennsylvania-German immigrants in the late 1700s. Prior to that time, the surname Runkle was found in certain German regions, particularly Bavaria.

Overall, it seems that the Runkle surname is not particularly abundant in 21st century America, and more commonly found in certain regions of the Midwest. That said, the surname does exist outside of these areas in smaller population centers and pockets scattered throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Variations of the surname Runkle

The surname Runkle has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of the more common variations of the name include:

Runkles - this is the most common spelling of the surname. It is derived from the Middle High German word runkel, meaning “dark colored” or “reddish.

Rankele - this spelling is derived from the Old German word rankl, meaning “rounded” or “bent.”

Rankle - this spelling is derived from the Middle English word rank, meaning “stiff” or “traditional.”

Runkiel - this spelling is derived from the Middle High German word runkel, with the added suffix “iel” meaning “little” or “small.”

Runkleman - this spelling is derived from the Old High German word rinckelman, meaning “one who is of the rankle family.”

Runklemeyer - this spelling is derived from the Old High German word rinckelmeir, meaning “one ruler.”

Runkel - this is another German spelling of the surname, derived from the Middle High German word runkel, with the added suffix “el” meaning “son of.”

Runkelsberger - this spelling is derived from the Old German word rinckel, combined with the added suffix “berger” meaning “from the mountain.”

Ranklin - this spelling is derived from the Old German word rankl, with the added suffix “in” meaning “the son of.”

Runklemanns - this spelling is derived from the Old German word rinckelmann, with the added suffix “s” meaning “the sons of.”

These are just a few of the many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Runkle. It is likely that many more have been derived over the centuries, depending on the family’s region of origin and language. It is important to note that many of these variations are used interchangeably today.

Famous people with the name Runkle

• Karen Runkle: American actress, known for guest appearances on shows such as Seinfeld and script supervisor on shows such as My Name is Earl.
• James Newell Runkle: American physicist and mathematician, contributed to the development of aeroelastics (the study of the aerodynamic properties of fluid-structure interaction).
• Guy Runkle: American architectural historian, author of An Architectural History of the Biltmore House of Asheville, North Carolina.
• Burnell Runkle: American actor and television host, best known for hosting 30 Minutes with Burnell on cable networks such as The Learning Channel.
• Carl C. Runkle: American agriculturist, developed the Koehler method of fruit tree pruning.
• Robert Runkle: American film producer, co-founder of The Asylum.
• Dave Runkle: American politician, former lieutenant governor of the state of Ohio.
• Donald Newell Runkle: American state legislator, served from 1972 to 1963 as a legislator in the United States House of Representatives from Michigan.
• Jenny Runkle: American artist, painter and sculptor, known for her optical illusions and her sculptures made from recycled materials.
• John Runkle: American educator, president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1865 to 1868.
• Scott Runkle:American marine biologist, NASA scientist, author of The Unseen World of the Submarine.
• Ted Runkle: American politician, mayor of Akron, Ohio from 1934 to 1937.
• William F. Runkle: American Union Army Officer and national park superintendent, served as Superintendent of Sequoia National Park from 1904 to 1913.
• Thomas Runkle: American doctor and medical author, wrote multiple works such as Hydatid Disease and How Diseases are Diagnosed.
• Paula Runkle: American sociologist and professor, currently the co-author of Introduction to Sociology 3rd Edition.

Other surnames

Runkler