Surname Ruedel - Meaning and Origin

Ruedel: What does the surname Ruedel mean?

The last name Ruedel is a German surname that likely originated from the Middle High German word “rudel”, meaning “flock”. Over time, it became anglicized into Ruedel, and was mostly found in the southern region of Germany, in cities like Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. It is likely that someone with this last name was a shepherd in Germany in the past, and the name stuck with them as they moved and started a family. This name could also be associated with a bird of prey that is referred to as a “Ruedel” in German.

Today, individuals with the last name Ruedel may be found living in the United States and Germany, as well as other parts of Europe, such as Austria and Switzerland. Ruedel is an uncommon name, but its prevalence in parts of Europe indicate it may have been slightly more widespread in previous centuries. The name has considerable historical value, reflecting an agrarian lifestyle that existed in many parts of Europe centuries ago.

Ruedel: Where does the name Ruedel come from?

The last name Ruedel is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today. The name originates from Central Europe, and is derived from a German word meaning “wheel.” This likely referred to the profession of the first person to adopt the surname – a wheel-maker.

In Germany, Ruedel is the 10th most common surname. It is especially concentrated in the German states of Lower Saxony, Westphalia, and Bavaria. The highest concentrations of people with the name can be found in the cities of Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Stuttgart.

In Austria, Rudel is the 8th most common surname. The name is most common in the states of Lower Austria, Styria, and Carinthia. Interestingly, the name is also present in some parts of the United States, particularly the state of California, where it ranks 9th most common overall. Canadian records of the surname are present as well, although in much smaller numbers than in Germany and Austria.

Generally speaking, the name Ruedel is an uncommon but not unheard of surname. The several thousand people who claim the name today can trace their roots back to a common ancestor in Germany hundreds of years ago.

Variations of the surname Ruedel

The surname Ruedel is believed to have originated as a Germanic name of the medieval times, and is thought to have derived from the Middle High German word "Ruede" meaning "brave". It is a variant of the surnames Ruediger, Rudiger, Rüdeger, Rudloff, Rudle, Rüdell, Rüdle, Rudelhoff and Rudeloff.

It is believed that the original name Ruediger emerged from the ancient Germanic elements ruod, meaning “fame”, and ger, meaning “spear”. The name was used to denote a brave warrior or a proud noble family, and it is assumed to be the root of the Ruedel surname.

Other variants of the surname include Ruddel, Ruedel, Rudel, Ruedle, Rüdel, Rudlo, Rudloff, Rudelle, Rudell, Rudy, Rüdell, Rüdle, Rudelhoff, Rudeloff and Rudelman.

The surname can also vary in spelling by country, for example, Ruedel is more common in Germany, Ruddell in Scotland, Ruedle in the United States, and Rudel in Switzerland.

It is believed that all the variants of the surname today cross so many countries, indicating that the origin of the surname extends very far and wide.

Famous people with the name Ruedel

• Chuck Ruedel: American diver who won three gold medals at the Pan American Games.
• Carsten Ruedel: German former footballer who played for Union Berlin and VfB Stuttgart.
• Bruce Ruedel: American military and intelligence strategist who served as Deputy National Security Adviser to President Barack Obama.
• Leah Ruedel: American figure skater who competed in the 2018 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
• Johannes Ruedel: German philosopher and expert on the works of German sociologist Max Weber.
• Kurt Ruedel: German physicist and Vice President of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light.
• Johann Ruedel: German musicologist and composer who wrote several operas and wrote on the history of music in Germany.
• Peter Ruedel: Austrian actor and musician who has acted in various international films.
• Kurt Ruedel: Austrian painter and sculptor active in the late 19th century.
• Andreas Ruedel: German singer and songwriter, composer and producer who has released several albums and singles.

Other surnames

Ruedell