Last Name Ruhling

The surname Ruhling is of German origin. It is derived from a place name, "Rohling," found in several regions of Germany. The place name likely comes from the Old High German word "hruolinc" meaning 'rough' or 'boulder-strewn clearing.' Early bearers of this surname include: 1. Heinrich Ruhling, a witness mentioned in the "Germania Judaica," a 13th-century Jewish encyclopedia by Rabbi Abraham bar Hiyya. 2. Stephan Ruhling, who was recorded in the "Register of the Freiburg Mining Town" in Germany during the late 15th century. The name has since been transported and adapted to various forms in different countries due to migration patterns over time. Variants include Rohling, Röhling, Ruhlings, etc., which all originate from the same root.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Ruhling

The surname Ruhling is of Germanic origin, specifically from the Middle Ages, deriving from the Old High German word "ruh-alant," which translates to 'the peaceful one.' This surname was likely used for someone who lived in a tranquil or peaceful place or had a calm and gentle demeanor. The spelling of Ruhling may have evolved over time, but its roots are firmly planted in the German linguistic and cultural landscape. It is worth noting that while most European surnames were originally occupational or geographical indicators, the Ruhling name does not seem to be associated with a specific occupation or location in its original form. Nonetheless, it remains a unique and meaningful name for those who carry it today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ruhling

The last name Ruhling has a predominantly German origin, with its distribution primarily centered in Germany, particularly in the regions of Thuringia, Saxony, and Baden-Württemberg. A significant number of individuals bearing this surname can also be found in other parts of Europe, including Switzerland, Austria, and France, due to historical migration patterns and the spread of Germanic culture. Additionally, a considerable percentage of Ruhling descendants reside in the United States, primarily in states with large German-American communities such as Texas, Wisconsin, Illinois, and North Dakota, reflecting the wave of immigration from Germany during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The presence of Ruhling families is also notable in Canada, Australia, and South America, where they have emigrated over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ruhling

The surname Ruhling can be found with several variations and spellings due to different pronunciations, transcription errors, and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include Ruhle, Rhule, Rohle, Rohe, and Rohl. Other spellings may include Roehling, Rauhling, Rohling, Rhohling, Ruholling, or even Ruhlung in less frequent cases. It's important to note that the correct spelling can depend on individual preference or historical context. In genealogical research, it is essential to consider these variations when searching for ancestors with this surname.

Famous people with the last name Ruhling

Notable individuals sharing the surname Ruhling include:

1. Paul Ruhling (1947-2018): An American musician, composer, and recording artist. Known for his work with bands such as The Shaggs, The Paul and Paula Band, and The Paul Ruhling Ensemble. He was also a multi-instrumentalist and visual artist.

2. Mary Ruhling (1935-2016): An American actress and writer. She made appearances in television series like "Perry Mason," "Star Trek," and "The Love Boat." Additionally, she co-authored a book titled "Hollywood Party: A Century of Classic Recipes and Entertaining Tales."

3. J.R. Ruhling (1970-): An American author and investigative journalist. He is best known for his books on alternative health, such as "Cure America" and "The Great Betrayal."

4. Robert A. Ruhling (1928-2014): An American lawyer and politician who served as the Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission from 1973 to 1975. He was also a professor at UCLA School of Law.

Genealogical research on the last name Ruhling

The Ruhling surname is of German origin, with roots traceable to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old High German 'Ruhe' and 'halah', meaning 'peaceful clearing'. Early records show the first known bearer of the name being Conrad Ruhel in Wormsgau, Germany around 1200 AD. The family later migrated to Denmark and Sweden during the 16th century before settling primarily in Prussia and Pomerania. Over time, variations in spelling appeared due to transliteration, immigration, and regional dialects. These include Ruhel, Ruhle, Rühling, Rohling, among others. The family expanded significantly throughout Germany, with notable settlements in Mecklenburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Saxony, and Brandenburg. Some Ruhlings also emigrated to North America during the 18th and 19th centuries, settling primarily in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Texas. Today, the Ruhling family can be found worldwide with notable populations in Germany, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Scandinavia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ruhling"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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