Last Name Ruffel

The surname Ruffel is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "ruffe" which means rough or hoarse, and was originally a nickname for someone with a hoarse voice or a rough character. Alternatively, it could have been an occupational name for a maker of nets or a fisherman, as "ruffe" also referred to a type of fishing net. The name was later brought to England by the Normans following the Conquest in 1066 and has since been found in various regions throughout the country.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ruffel

The meaning and origin of the last name Ruffel

The surname Ruffel is of Old French origin, derived from the occupational name "Rouvel" or "Rouvelet", which referred to a maker or seller of small leather items such as pouches, scabbards, or belts. The name evolved over time into its modern form, with various regional spellings emerging in different parts of France and other countries due to spelling variations caused by differences in pronunciation, local dialects, and scribal errors during the Middle Ages. In England, it was often anglicized as Ruffell or Ruffel. The name is relatively uncommon but can be found in various European countries, particularly France and England. Notable people with this surname include the English cricketer George Ruffell (1807-1892) and the French painter Adrien Riffault-Ruffel (1833-1865).

Geographical distribution of the last name Ruffel

The surname Ruffel is predominantly found in France, where it originates from the Old French word "ruffe," meaning rough or ruddy. It is most concentrated in the northwestern region of Brittany and in the eastern region of Alsace-Lorraine. Over time, due to migration, the name has also been distributed in other parts of France, as well as Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, the United States, and Australia. In these countries, French-speaking communities have historically immigrated and settled, carrying their surnames with them. The Ruffel name is less common compared to more prevalent French last names but remains a significant part of the global French diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ruffel

The surname Ruffel has several variations and spellings. Some common variations include Ruffell, Ruvel, Ruel, Roufel, Roofel, and Rufell. These differences arise due to spelling changes over time and regional dialects. In some instances, the name may have been misspelled or altered slightly during immigration or other transitions. The original root of the name is unclear, but possible origins include French, Dutch, or German. The French version is derived from the given name Robert, while the Dutch and German forms could originate from a place-name or occupational term related to wool. Overall, these variations represent different branches of the Ruffel family tree.

Famous people with the last name Ruffel

Notable individuals with the surname Ruffel include:

1. Jean-Baptiste Ruffin de Ruffel (1765–1827), a French general who fought during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

2. Jérôme Ruffier (born 1989), a French professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Olympique de Marseille.

3. John Ruffel (1604–1675), an English-born colonial administrator in New England, serving as Governor of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations from 1662 to 1675.

4. Sarah Ruffin Montgomery (1931-2015), an American civil rights activist and educator who worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr.

5. Samuel Ruffin (1830–1913), an American mathematician known for his work on differential equations and the Ruffini's theorem in algebraic geometry.

6. William Rufus Ruffin (1874–1918), an African-American lawyer, farmer, and political activist who was one of the plaintiffs in the landmark Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court case.

Genealogical research on the last name Ruffel

The Ruffel surname is believed to have originated in France and is a variant of the more common Ravel, which itself is derived from Old French "ravele" meaning "revealed" or "uncovered." The earliest recorded reference of the name can be traced back to the 13th century in Normandy, France.

Over time, families bearing the Ruffel surname migrated across Europe, with notable movements to England and later the British colonies in America. In England, the name can be found primarily in the counties of Kent and Essex. In America, the Ruffel family is most numerous in Virginia, as well as in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts due to migrations during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Notable individuals with the surname include Jacques Ruffé, a French mathematician, and Jean-Baptiste Ruffin, a French scientist. It is important to note that genealogical research on the Ruffel surname is ongoing, and further discoveries may provide additional insights into its history and origin.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ruffel"
• 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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