Last Name Ruhl

The surname Ruhl is of German origin. It is derived from various places named Ruhl or Ruhla in Germany, particularly in the state of Thuringia. The name could also be a diminutive form of the personal name Rudolf. Like many surnames, it was originally a nickname, possibly referring to a person with red hair or a fierce temperament, based on old Germanic roots "rod" meaning red and "wolf" in the case of Rudolf. Over time, the name spread throughout central Europe due to migration patterns, colonization, and assimilation.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ruhl

The meaning and origin of the last name Ruhl

The surname Ruhl originates from Germanic roots, specifically Old High German, where it was derived from the word "Ruh," meaning peace or quiet. This name was often given to children born during peaceful times or in tranquil settings. Over time, the spelling evolved into various forms such as Rohl and Ruehl, but Ruhl remains one of the most common. It first appeared in records during the Middle Ages, particularly in regions like Swabia and Baden-Württemberg. The name spread to other parts of Europe, including England, Scotland, and America, through immigration waves starting in the 17th century. Today, individuals with the surname Ruhl can be found worldwide, reflecting its enduring popularity across centuries and continents.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ruhl

The surname Ruhl is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, with a significant concentration in Germany itself, particularly in the Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia states. Outside of Germany, sizable communities bearing the Ruhl name can be found in the United States, Canada, and Australia, primarily among descendants of German immigrants. In the U.S., the highest concentrations are in states like Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Texas. The Ruhl surname is also present in smaller numbers in other countries with a history of German immigration, such as South Africa and Argentina. Overall, the geographical distribution of the Ruhl name reflects historical migration patterns of Germans, primarily during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ruhl

The surname Ruhl possesses several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration, transcription, and regional dialects. Some of the most common versions include Ruhle, Ruehl, Ruhe, Rohle, Rohl, Rhule, and Rhuel. These variations may have originated from minor errors during the process of immigration or transcribing family names. Additionally, some individuals might choose to anglicize their names upon arrival in English-speaking countries, leading to further alterations. Despite these changes, all these versions can be traced back to the original Germanic name, which means "wheel" in Old High German.

Famous people with the last name Ruhl

Notable individuals with the surname Ruhl include:

1. Philip Ruhl (born 1946), an American artist and educator who served as the director of the School of Art at Arizona State University from 2000 to 2014.

2. Thomas Ruhl (1875-1952), a German classical archaeologist who made significant contributions in the study of Ancient Greece, particularly Mycenaean civilization.

3. Robert A. Ruhl (born 1946), an American lawyer and jurist who served as a judge on the Supreme Court of Missouri from 1995 to 2017.

4. David H. Ruhl (1850-1919), an American attorney, politician, and businessman who served as the Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, from 1893 to 1895.

5. John Ruhl (born 1960), a German mathematician known for his work in geometry and topology. He is currently a professor at the University of Regensburg.

6. Christoph Ruhl (born 1973), a German-Swiss actor, director, and writer who has appeared in numerous television series and films.

Genealogical research on the last name Ruhl

The surname Ruhl originates from Germany and is derived from the Old High German "ruh" meaning "famous ruler" or "reign." It's one of several forms, including Rhule, Ruehl, Ruhel, and Ruhle, that have evolved over time due to variations in spelling and pronunciation. The name was brought to North America by German settlers, primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries, with significant populations settling in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and other Midwestern states. Notable individuals with the surname Ruhl include John A. Ruhl, a Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court, and Robert H. Ruhl, an American chemist known for his work on the synthesis of steroids. Today, the Ruhl family is dispersed globally, maintaining various cultural traditions while retaining their German heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ruhl"
• 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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