Surname Rufer - Meaning and Origin

The Royal Warrior: A Striking Revelation of My Surname Rufer Through iGENEA DNA Test

Taking an iGENEA DNA test, I unearthed more about my heritage than I would have ever imagined. From being a descendant of royalty or a warrior to the potential connection to the Royal Scythians. My surname, Rufer, and its associated lineage takes on an entirely new meaning for me.

H. Rufer

Rufer: What does the surname Rufer mean?

The German surname Rufer is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "rufere", meaning "knocker" or "crier". It was most likely originally used to denote someone who worked as a public crier, announcing announements or proclamations to the public. It is a relatively rare family name in Germany, but is also found in Switzerland and other parts of Europe.

Outside of Europe, it is found in areas with strong German immigration, such as Canada, the United States, and other parts of the world. It is considered an Americanized spelling of the name Rüfer, which is a more common spelling, and is often rendered differently depending on the country.

Rufer is thought to be derived from the Latin word “rufus”, which refers to a reddish-brown colour, likely relating to a person with such a hair colour. It is also associated with the Middle High German word “ruffo”, meaning ‘to call’ or ‘to shout’.

Ultimately, the surname Rufer is steeped in tradition, history, and symbolism. It is a reminder that people who carry it are descended from someone who was a public caller, likely responsible for delivering important messages to the public. The surname Rufer is still a source of pride and connection to their ancestors across many parts of the world.

Rufer: Where does the name Rufer come from?

The last name Rufer is most commonly found today in northern and central Europe. It is especially prevalent in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. The origin of the name is not precisely known, but theories suggest that is derived from either the German common noun ruf, meaning 'roar' or from a Slavic root rufy, meaning 'honest' or 'decent'.

The earliest records of the Rufer name can be found as far back as the 13th century, with a few variations of spelling including, Raufer, Ruffer, Ruff art, and Rufner. Throughout the centuries, the name has also been known to refer to a person of ruddy complexion, referencing a bright reddish-brown colour.

The current global population of people with the Rufer last name is estimated to be around 50,000, with the highest population of 32,000 in the United States. The population of the surname is found in many parts of Europe, especially Germany where it's the 363rd most commonly used last name. It is also found in less numbers in Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

In the US, the highest concentration of the Rufer surname is in the Midwestern states of Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and their various counties. The name is also found in New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

The Rufer last name has endured hundreds of years of history, with its roots found in both Europe and the United States. Today, it is one of the more common last names in Europe and the US, and has a significant population worldwide.

Variations of the surname Rufer

The surname Rufer has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Rufer and Ruffer are the earliest known variations. The surname Ruhf or Ruff can also be seen in some historic records. It is believed that the name originates from the Middle Ages and was most likely a nickname for someone who owned or tended a pasture or herb garden.

The name Roefer, Rehfeuer, Rehfehr, Ruef, Ruefer, and Rueffer can be seen in both French and German documents. This name originates from the German word “Reh,” which means deer. This is why the name has its roots in deer keeping or deer herding.

The surnames Rever, Reif and Reff can also be seen in older records, although it is unclear whether or not these were variant spellings of the same name.

The surname Rufo is believed to be of Italian or Spanish origin, while the surname Rufolf has its roots in German, Dutch, and Swedish. The surname Ruffo is thought to be of German or Swiss origin, and the Czech surname Ruf is also related.

Overall, the surname Rufer has a wide variety of spellings and variants that are all related to one another and share a common origin.

Famous people with the name Rufer

• Marc Rufer: Swiss saxophonist and composer
• Troy Rufer: American soccer player who played for teams such as Crystal Palace Baltimore, D.C. United, and the Los Angeles Galaxy
• Dean Rufer: American actor and voice actor best known for his roles in the hit shows “Parks and Recreation” and “The Office”
• Ernie Rufer: legendary American jazz vocalist, musician, and songwriter
• John Rufer: award-winning American painter and sculptor
• Edward Rufer: American architect and author who designed and built numerous structures in the northern Virginia and Washington, DC area
• Quinn Rufer: American film and television producer
• Tom Rufer: American children's author whose works include the novel series “Goofball Malone”
• Mark Rufer: award-winning American contemporary realist painter
• Will Rufer: American multi-instrumentalist, recording artist and contemporary loop artist.

Other surnames

RufenerRufert