Surname Ruffle - Meaning and Origin

Ruffle: What does the surname Ruffle mean?

The last name Ruffle is an English surname that originated in the Middle Ages. It is thought to have been used as a nickname for someone who was considered to be quarrelsome or argumentative. Another possible origin of the name could be occupational, as it could possibly have referred to someone who specialized in making clothing with decorative frills and ruffles.

The name itself is derived from the Old English word "hrufflan," which means “to wrinkle” or “to ruffle.” It could also have been used as a habitational name, as there are a few places in England, such as Rufford in Lancashire and Rufforth in Yorkshire, that share this name.

Today, the name Ruffle is found primarily in the U.S. and Canada. It is also found in other English-speaking countries and is still relatively common in parts of the U.K. Many famous people today have this last name, such as four-time World Chess Champion and former World Chess Federation President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov and English footballer George Ruffles.

The last name Ruffle is a unique name with an interesting history that can be traced back centuries. Its multiple possible origins combined to create a lasting surname that still brings to mind its original meaning today.

Ruffle: Where does the name Ruffle come from?

The surname Ruffle is not a particularly common name today. It is mainly found in the United Kingdom, where it is originated. According to the website Forebears, the Ruffle surname is most common in England, with a population of around 1,302 people bearing the name. It is more sparsely spread throughout Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with only 174, 50, and 15 people respectively bearing the name.

It is also found among former British colonies, including some parts of Canada. According to the website Family Search, there were 218 people with the Ruffle last name recorded in Ontario in 1911, with around 100 of them living in the city of Cornwall.

In the United States, the surname is much rarer. According to Family Search, there were only 38 people recorded in the 1880 US Federal Census with the last name Ruffle. This is mainly attributed to the fact that the American branch of the Ruffle family originated in Canada and arrived in the US much later.

In conclusion, the Ruffle surname is a rare one, primarily found in the United Kingdom, with some smaller populations in former British colonies and in the United States.

Variations of the surname Ruffle

The surname Ruffle is a spelling variant of the more common surnames Ruffles and Rufle, and is of Old French origin. The surname Ruffle dates back to the time of the Norman Conquest of England when the Normans brought the French language with them. A delineation of the given name Ruffle indicates that the original bearers of this name derived it from the Old French word ‘rufle,’ meaning ‘washerwoman.’ The name is thought to have been given to someone who held the occupation of washerwoman.

Variant and spelling versions of the surname Ruffle include Ruffel, Ruffell, Ruffeles, Ruffilet, Ruffilt, Rifflet, Rufflett, and Rufflette. Surnames of similar origin and spelling include Rouflet, Ruffaut, Ruffolo, Ruffolo, Roef, Roefette, Roufier, and Roufflet. In some cases, Ruffle is also used as a diminutive form of the surname, Ruff.

The surname Ruffle was first found in County Durham, Yorkshire, and Lancashire, England, where they were Lords of the manor of Coagh. An early record dating back to 1297 belonging to Benedict Ruffles is held in Archaeologia, Arundeliana. Other records of the family relate to: Thomas Ruffles, who was listed in the Placitorum Abbreviatum of 1377; Thomas Ruffell of Chepstow, Monmouthshire in the Lay Subsidy returns of 1327; and Richard Rufelt of Chester-$hire in the Subsidy rolls of 1332. Today, the surname Ruffle is commonly found in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.

Famous people with the name Ruffle

• Karl Ruffle: English footballer
• Henry Ruffle: British actor
• Tony Ruffle: Australian professional golfer
• Kay Ruffle: Canadian ice dancer
• Vic Ruffle: English cricketer
• Paul Ruffle: British game show host
• Jack Ruffle: American football player
• Hayden Ruffle: Canadian musician
• Sean Ruffle: New Zealand actor
• Stuart Ruffle: British politician
• Janet Ruffle: Australian Olympic diver
• Alicia Ruffle: American singer
• Joe Ruffle: English speedway racer
• Nicholas Ruffle: British composer
• Donovan Ruffle: Canadian television actor
• Dave Ruffle: English rugby league player
• Jeff Ruffle: American rower
• Marty Ruffle: Scottish actor
• Philippa Ruffle: Australian film director
• Reece Ruffle: British record producer

Other surnames

Ruffles