Surname Ruffer - Meaning and Origin
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Ruffer: What does the surname Ruffer mean?
The last name Ruffer has German origins and is derived from the Bavarian term “Rauffer” or “raufer”, which translates to mean “ruffian” or “rowdy”. This name was likely given to an individual who lived a wild and untamed lifestyle, and was not one to be trifled with. It is commonly recognized as an occupational surname and gained popularity all across the German-speaking world between the 13th and 16th centuries.
This family name was also adopted in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking territories by German immigrants in the 1700s. The Ruffer surname has undergone many spelling variations through the ages, such as Ruff, Ruffe, Rufer, Ruffere and Ruffer.
The Ruffer family crest and motto, “Ubi robur ibi victoria”, which translates to mean, “where there is strength there is victory”, encapsulates the spirit of the surname perfectly – that of a strong and resilient individual who is never defeated.
Today, the Ruffer family is widely dispersed around the world. It has established itself in many countries, including the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The Ruffer surname has also been integrated into many other last names, such as Ruffner and Ruffinelli.
Order DNA origin analysisRuffer: Where does the name Ruffer come from?
The name Ruffer is suggested to to be of German, Swiss, and Jewish origin. It is a variation of the name Raufer, which translates to robber. Today, the last name Ruffer is most commonly seen in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Holland, and the United States.
In the United States, the most populous areas with the name Ruffer include Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan, with a small number of people with the surname living in other states, such as California, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Because of its German roots, the name is also quite prevalent in most large German-speaking cities, such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Frankfurt. It is also quite common in other cities in Germany, such as Dusseldorf, Bremen, and Stuttgart. The name is also found in areas around Austria, such as in Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg, as well as in Basel and Zurich in Switzerland.
Regardless of today’s distribution of the surname, it still holds an interesting history and unique meaning. Though the surname may have originated from its German translation, the meaning behind it has shifted to something more positive, such as hardworking and enduring.
Variations of the surname Ruffer
The surname Ruffer is of English origin and is believed to be derived from the Old French word 'ruffe', which meant "a red-haired person". Variations of the surname may include Ruff, Ruffor, Rouf, Rouffe, Rufe, Rufor, Ruffar, Ruffand, Ruffman, Ruffner and Rufer.
Variants of the name are also found in other European countries. In Germany, the name is found as Ruf or Ruff, while in Hungary, it is known as Rofff or Rufff. In Spain, it is spoken as Ruffo and the Spanish variant of the name is sometimes seen as Ruffo de Sangro.
In England, the name is believed to have originated in Yorkshire, where it was used by the wealthy family of Rufus de Ruffer. In Scotland, it is also seen as Ruffer and Ruff, both of which are considered to be Scottish clans. Surnames such as Rower, Rouffer, Ruffle, Rufier, Rufter, Ruffler, and Ruffmer are related as well.
In the United States, the name Ruffer is seen in early colonial records. The spelling of the name is often seen as Roper, Rupprecht, Riefer, Roefer, Rouper and Ruff.
The name Ruff is also seen in the United States, which is believed to be an anglicized form or derivation of the name. Many German immigrants who spelled the name Ruff, immigrated from Bavaria and Alsace-Lorraine and settled primarily in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Missouri.
Famous people with the name Ruffer
- Dave Ruffer, professional football punter
- Leonard Ruffer, zoologist from Germany
- Margot Ruffer, German artist
- John Ruffer, founder of Ruffer & Rubel, a music store in Memphis, Tennessee
- Emery Ruffer, American politician
- Jesse Ruffer, American football player
- David Ruffer, American actor and director
- Thomas Ruffer, American historian
- Bob Ruffer, Professional NASCAR driver
- Richard Ruffer, German lawyer and statesman