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Last Name Rufener

What is the origin of the last name Rufener?

The name Rufener has Swiss origin. It comes from the Valais region in Switzerland and derives from the German personal name "Rufin", which means "red" or "rubio". Consequently, Rufener would be a name of a toponymic type, which refers to someone who lived in a place with those characteristics or possessed those physical characteristics.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rufener

The meaning and origin of the last name Rufener

The surname Rufener has Swiss-German origin and derives from the word "Rufen", which means "call" in German. This surname probably originated as a nickname for someone who was known for their ability to call animals or make calls in emergency situations. In most cases, Swiss surnames originate in the professions, physical characteristics or personality traits of the people, so it is likely that the first carriers of the Rufener surname were people who stood out for their ability to call or for their powerful and clear voice. Over the centuries, the name Rufener has spread through different regions of Switzerland and some members of this family migrated to other countries such as Germany and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rufener

The name Rufener has its origin in Switzerland, specifically in the region of Bern. However, over the years it has expanded to other European countries such as Germany and Austria. In Switzerland, significant concentrations of people with this surname can be found in cities such as Basel and Zurich. In Germany, for its part, there are Rufener families in regions such as Baden-Wurtemberg and Bavaria. In Austria, individuals with this surname can be found in the Tyrol region. Despite being a relatively rare last name, the geographical dispersion of the Rufener is remarkable in Central Europe, thus maintaining its legacy and presence in different countries of the continent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rufener

The name Rufener has several variations and graphs, which can be included as Rufner, Ruffner, Ruffener or Rofner. These different forms of the surname may originate in different geographical regions or be associated with phonetic variations in the name transcription over time. The name Rufener is of Swiss origin and probably derives from a toponym related to the Swiss Alps region. In Switzerland, the name Rufener is relatively common and can be found in different localities of the country. As to its meaning, the name Rufener could have an origin related to the German word "ruf", which means "called" or "reputation", which could refer to a distinctive characteristic of the original carriers of this surname.

Famous people with the last name Rufener

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Genealogical research on the last name Rufener

The genealogical research of the name Rufener dates back to the 12th century in Switzerland, specifically in the region of Bern, where the Rufener family was known to be prominent merchants and farmers. Over the centuries, they spread throughout Europe, establishing themselves in countries such as Germany, France and Austria. The Rufener have been recorded in historical documents as noble and landlords, actively participating in political and social events of their time. In addition, it is known that some family members migrated to America in search of new opportunities during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Today, you can find descendants of the Rufener family in different parts of the world, keeping alive the history and legacy of their ancestors.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 19 June 2025

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