Surname Ruelfs - Meaning and Origin
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Ruelfs: What does the surname Ruelfs mean?
The last name Ruelfs is of German origin, and it is a variant of the name Ruff, which was derived from the Middle High German ruophe, meaning "ruff, mane, crest, or tuft of feathers". The term was also used to refer to a person who wore a ruff (i.e a type of frilled or pleated collar outlining the neck and chin). The name is most likely a nickname given to someone who wore a ruff or one who was spirited and active.
The name first appeared in documents as early as the 13th century in Prussia. After marriage, the surname would take on different variations due to the phonological rules of the language. Over time, the name spread to other German regions and soon beyond German borders, particularly to the United States, which is now one of the primary countries where many individuals with the last name Ruelfs live.
Today, individuals with the last name Ruelfs are proud of their heritage and history, and it is a reminder of the perseverance and strength that bound the family together to create successful, independent lives in their new home.
Order DNA origin analysisRuelfs: Where does the name Ruelfs come from?
The last name Ruelfs is quite common today in Germany, particularly in the northern regions such as Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Brandenburg. It is also found in regions close to the Dutch border, such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of France and Denmark.
The most common first name associated with the last name Ruelfs is Gerhard, although other variations include Gerd, Gerard, and Gerhardt. It is also a fairly popular surname within the branch of Dutch language variants, such as Dutch, Flemish, and Low German, with aforementioned locations having a larger relative prevalence of the surname.
In the United States, the Ruelfs surname is particularly common in states which had a high percentage of German immigration such as Pennsylvania, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. It has also spotted in other regions such as Texas and California.
In South America, the Ruelfs last name is most commonly found in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, where German immigrants settled in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is less common in other Latin American countries such as Mexico and Chile, although these places also have a significant number of people with the last name.
Today, the Ruelfs surname is one of the most common last names in Europe, with thousands of people living across many countries with this last name. It has a long tradition in some countries, such as Germany, with the surname being passed down for generations in many families.
Variations of the surname Ruelfs
The surname Ruelfs is a German-origin surname. Variants of this surname include Ruelff, Reulff, Ruellf, Ruellff, Ruehlf, Ruehlfs, Reulffs, Roelfs, Rulffs, and Rulfs.
The Ruelfs surname is thought to have originated from the name of a settlement called "Roellecke"; it also may have originated as a nickname for someone who performed services of some kind near the town. It has also been suggested that the Ruelfs surname may be derived from the Old German term "ruol" which meant "authority".
Spellings of the Ruelfs surname include Raulffs, Raulfs, Rolffs, Rolfs, and Rulfs. Cognates of the name Ruelfs include the German surname Reulen, the Dutch surname Rool, and the Scandinavian surname Ryllf.
Common surnames related to the Ruelfs family include Rullman, Rulof, Rullmer, Ruloff, Riesler, Reeser, Sellimer, Rauscher, Rieger, Rollers, and Roeser.
The surname Ruelfs is a relatively rare one, although it is quite widespread. In the United States, Ruelfs is found primarily in the Midwest, especially in Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Michigan, Iowa and Wisconsin. In Germany, the surname is found mainly in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein.
The surname Ruelfs can also be found in other countries around the world due to immigration, such as Canada, Brazil, Argentina, England, and South Africa.
Famous people with the name Ruelfs
- Blake Ruelfs: professional rugby player with the Melbourne Rebels in Australia.
- Bridget Ruelfs: freelance writer for several magazines in the US.
- Ben Ruelfs: American artist, educator, and musician.
- Tim Ruelfs: former major league catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres.
- Levi Ruelfs: professional soccer player for San Diego Loyal of the USL Championship.
- Victoria Ruelfs: Emmy-nominated makeup artist and hair stylist.
- Marla Ruelfs: award-winning journalist and author.
- Henry Ruelfs: world-renowned concert pianist and longtime professor at the University of North Texas.
- John Ruelfs: well-known photographer from California.
- Richard Ruelfs: successful businessman and CEO of Ruelfs Technology Corp.