The surname Rulfo is of Spanish origin, particularly common among people from Mexico. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name "Rufo," which was originally a Roman name and means "red-haired." In Spain, it was often used as a nickname for those with red hair or ruddy complexions. The Rulfo family is well known in Mexico due to famous members such as actors Pedro Armando Álvarez Rulfo and Gael García Bernal, both of whom hail from this lineage.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Rulfo
The meaning and origin of the last name Rulfo
The surname Rulfo is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Castilian region of Spain. It is derived from the medieval occupation name "ruelobos," which was given to someone who worked as a shepherd or cattle herder, likely due to the Old Spanish word "ruel" meaning "shepherd's staff." Over time, the surname evolved into its current form, Rulfo. The name is most notably associated with Mexican actor and director Pedro Infante Rulfo, who was a significant figure in Mexican cinema during the mid-20th century.
Geographical distribution of the last name Rulfo
The surname Rulfo has its roots primarily in Mexico, with the highest concentration found in the state of Jalisco. This is where the renowned actor and filmmaker Pedro Infante, one of the most famous bearers of the name, was born. However, it's also common in other parts of Mexico, including the states of Guerrero, Michoacán, and Veracruz. The surname Rulfo has also spread internationally due to immigration from Mexico. In the United States, there are significant populations of people with this last name in California, Texas, and Illinois, reflecting historical migration patterns. In Europe, particularly Spain, Portugal, and France, the name may be a variant or a version of other European surnames due to Hispanicization processes during colonization.
Variants and spellings of the last name Rulfo
The surname Rulfo has several variations and spellings. Some common variations include Ruelo, Ruleau, Ruelfo, Rulo, and Roelo. These differences may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors during immigration, or personal preference. Another variant is the French form of the name, Roulleau, which could potentially be a variation from Spanish-speaking regions given the historical cultural connections between France and Spain. Additionally, there might be slight variations in spelling based on individual interpretations or transliteration, such as Ruelfo being an anglicized version of Rulfo. It's important to note that these variations may lead to multiple individuals sharing the same last name, which could complicate genealogical research.
Famous people with the last name Rulfo
Notable individuals sharing the surname Rulfo include:
1. Charles Rulfo (b. 1978), an American football offensive lineman who played for the Arizona Cardinals and San Diego Chargers in the National Football League.
2. Pedro Armando Ruelo Rodríguez, better known as El Hijo de Dos Caras or simply Dos Caras Jr., is a Mexican professional wrestler and actor who has worked in both Mexico and the United States.
3. Yalitza Aparicio Rulfo (b. 1993), a Mexican actress and activist, best known for her breakout role as Cleo in Alfonso Cuarón's film Roma, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.
4. Diego Luna Rulfo (b. 1979), a Mexican actor and director who gained international fame for his roles in films such as Y tu mamá también, Milk, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Narcos: Mexico.
5. Guillermo Rulfo (b. 1931 – d. 2014), a Mexican actor who starred in numerous telenovelas during his career, most notably La Constellación (1987).
Genealogical research on the last name Rulfo
The surname Rulfo originates from Spain and is predominantly found in the regions of Castile-La Mancha and Extremadura. Its etymology is derived from various local place names, such as Riolfo, a variant of Rio Hortego, a tributary of the river Tajo, or Ruflo, a village in the province of Toledo. One of the most notable figures with this surname is Pedro Infante, a Mexican actor and singer considered one of the most important figures in Mexican cinema's "Golden Age". In Mexico, the name gained significant prominence due to multiple bearers in the arts and politics. Notable Mexican Rulfos include actors Damián Alcázar and Adriana Barraza, as well as politicians such as Abelardo L. Rodríguez, who served as President of Mexico from 1934 to 1938, and Francisco Javier Rulfo, a prominent writer and filmmaker. The surname Rulfo is also present in other Spanish-speaking countries, demonstrating its wide dispersal among the Hispanic diaspora.
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.
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