Surname Rüffert - Meaning and Origin

Rüffert: What does the surname Rüffert mean?

The last name Rüffert is an occupational surname of German origin. The name is derived from the word "Rüffer," which in Middle High German means “one who works with an axe.” The name was probably originally given to an individual who held a professional axe-making or axe-dealing occupation or, possibly, even an axe-wielding soldier. Thus, the name Rüffert was likely used to identify those with direct association to the work of an axe.

It is likely that the first individuals with this surname were from the Ruhr Valley, a major industrial area of Germany, located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Due to the number of professional tools used in the industrial activity of the area, many of these earliest Rüfferts were probably employed as axe makers or dealers.

In modern times, the surname Rüffert can be found spread across many countries of the world, from Germany, to the United States of America and the United Kingdom. Though the number of Rüfferts is relatively small, the unmistakable German heritage of the name, and the indication of an axe wielding profession of its origin, is a unique identifier within the world of worldwide family names.

Rüffert: Where does the name Rüffert come from?

The last name Rüffert is most common today in Germany, especially in the northern portion of the country. While records are scarce, the name can be traced back to 1550 in Northern Germany, likely in one of the provinces of Schleswig-Holstein or Lower Saxony. There are a few other records of Rüffert in the 17th and 18th centuries scattered throughout the country, particularly in Silesia.

The current distribution of the surname in Germany is mainly in the northern states, particularly Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, and Lower Saxony, however it has spread to other parts of the country. The name is also found in countries such as Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and the United States, which is likely due to emigration over the years.

Overall, the name Rüffert continues to be relatively rare, although it is increasing in popularity. It originates from a German root word meaning "brave" or "courageous", making the name a fitting choice for many families who originated from German-speaking countries.

Variations of the surname Rüffert

The surname Rüffert is a German surname originating from the Middle High German “hruof,” meaning “proud.” Variations of the Rüffert surname include Ruffert, Rufford, Ruffo, Ruffel, Ruford, Redford, React, and Reifert.

The spelling of the surname Rüffert can be found in various forms throughout Germany, such as Rüverdt, Ruffort, Ruffrd, Ruffo, Ruffel, Rufort, Redfort, Reaft, and Reifort. Variations of the surname can be found in other parts of Europe, such as Rifford and Rufford in England and Ruffel in Switzerland.

In America, Rüffert is commonly pronounced as “Roo-fert.” Variations of the surname in America include Rufferth, Rufforth, Rufferd, Ruffertt, Ruffrod, Roffert, Roeford, Rieferth, Redforde, Reafert, Reiffert, and Reifford. The names Rufford, Redford, React, and Reifert are also found in America.

Variations of the surname Rüffert can also be found in other parts of the world, such as Ruffart in Canada, Ruffelt in Australia, Roffett in South Africa, Rouffaud in France, and Ruffert in Norway.

Overall, the surname Rüffert has numerous variations, spellings, and surnames over the centuries. From Middle High German to American pronunciations, the surname Rüffert has evolved into many forms throughout its history.

Famous people with the name Rüffert

• Horst Rüffert (German architect, designer and artist)
• Hans Rüffert (German sculptor and medal maker)
• Rudolf Rüffert (German art photographer)
• Jürgen Rüffert (German painter and graphic artist)
• Francis Rüffert (German journalist and publicist)
• Robert Rüffert (German sculptor, painter and engraver)
• Peter Rüffert (German architect and designer)
• Ernst Rüffert (German 322remen mechanical engineer)
• Johann Rüffert (German publisher, editor and bibliographer)
• Johannes Günther Rüffert (German politician)
• Rudolf Ernst Rüffert (German lawyer and politician)
• Elisabeth Rüffert (German artist and jewelry designer)
• Albert Rüffert (German painter and graphic artist)
• Bernhard Rüffert (German experimental lutenist)
• Rupert Rüffert (German author and journalist)

Other surnames

RufferRüffer