Last Name Rude

The last name Rude is of German origin. It is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word "ruode" or "rūot," which means "clearing" or "open country." Initially, it was likely used to denote a person who lived on such a clearing or worked as a woodcutter or farmer in open land. Over time, it became a hereditary surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rude

The meaning and origin of the last name Rude

The surname Rude is an Anglo-Saxon name, derived from the Old English word "hrod" or "hroth," which means "famous" or "renowned." It is a topographic or locative name, indicating that the original bearer lived near a notable or famous landmark. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved and various regional dialects have resulted in variations such as Rud, Ruud, Rudolph, Rhodes, Rod, Rood, Roode, and Rude. Throughout history, the name Rude has been found in various parts of England, with early records dating back to the 13th century. The surname also appears in Ireland due to Norman settlements and colonization during the Middle Ages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rude

The surname Rude is primarily distributed across several countries in Europe, with notable concentrations in Germany and its neighboring regions. According to genealogical databases, it is one of the most common surnames in Germany, particularly in the northern and eastern states such as Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. The name also has a presence in Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Poland due to historical migration patterns. In North America, the Rude surname is prevalent among German immigrants who settled in the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries, with concentrations in states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Texas. It can also be found in Canada, particularly Ontario and British Columbia, due to migration from the United States. In other parts of the world, the Rude surname is less common but still present in countries such as Australia and South Africa, where it may have been introduced by European settlers or immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rude

The surname Rude has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time and across regions. Some common variations include Rudé, Rude, de Rude, and von Rude. In German-speaking countries, the name could also be spelled as Rudé or Rudey, while in Scandinavian countries, it might be written as Rode. Other less common variants may include Rodé, Ruede, Roodé, etc., reflecting regional pronunciation differences and changes in family lineages. The name's origins can be traced to various locations, such as Germany, Denmark, Norway, and France, among others.

Famous people with the last name Rude

The Rude family has produced several notable figures across various fields. In the world of music, Jimmy Rude was a guitarist for the American rock band, The Mothers of Invention, and later became a member of Frank Zappa's touring bands. In comedy, Garry Shandling, whose real surname was Rutstein but professionally known as Garry Rude, was an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer, best known for creating and starring in the TV shows "It's Garry Shandling's Show" and "The Larry Sanders Show." In sports, Ken Rude is a former American football player who played as a defensive lineman for five seasons in the National Football League. Lastly, in academia, John R. Rude is an American historian, known for his work on the Ku Klux Klan and other extremist groups in the United States during the 20th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Rude

The surname Rude is believed to have origins in Germany and Scandinavia. In Germany, it is derived from the Middle High German word "ruode," meaning "clearing" or "yard." In Scandinavian countries, it could be a nickname for someone who was rough or coarse, derived from the Old Norse word "hruðr." The earliest recorded instances of the name Rude in England can be traced back to the 13th century. Throughout history, various notable individuals with the surname Rude have emerged. For instance, Jacob Rudolph Rude (1814-1892), a German architect who designed several notable buildings in New York City. In genealogical records, variations of the name include Rud, Rood, Roode, and Rudd.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Rude"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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