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Last Name Ruthner

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What is the origin of the last name Ruthner?

The surname Ruthner is primarily of German origin and is derived from various place names in Germany, particularly those that end with "-ern" or "-er," which often indicate a dwelling near a stream. Specifically, the name might be associated with one of several locations named "Rudern" or "Ruedern." However, it's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and regional variations, so it's always possible for the name Ruthner to have a different origin in some instances.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ruthner

The meaning and origin of the last name Ruthner

The surname Ruthner is primarily of German origin, derived from various regional place names that contain the element "Rud-" (meaning "famous ruler" or "renowned leader") and "-heim" (home). One such location is Rudheim, located in Hesse, Germany. Over time, these toponymic surnames became hereditary, passed down from one generation to the next, giving rise to numerous variations such as Ruthner, Rüthner, and Ruedenberg. The name may also have emerged as an occupational surname for someone who held a position of leadership or authority, derived from the Old High German "hruod" (ruler) combined with "-inari" (servant). Over the centuries, individuals bearing this surname have migrated and settled in various parts of the world, contributing to its diverse global distribution.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ruthner

The surname Ruthner is primarily concentrated in Northern and Eastern Europe, particularly in Germany, where it originated. Variations such as Ruthner, Ruthener, and Rüther are found across several regions within the country. The name also has a significant presence in Scandinavia, with notable occurrences in Sweden and Denmark. In addition, small populations bearing the surname can be found in other parts of Europe, such as Austria, Switzerland, and Poland. While there are rare instances of individuals with the last name Ruthner outside of Europe, their numbers are significantly lower compared to the continent's distribution.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ruthner

The surname Ruthner possesses several variations and spellings in different regions and languages. In English, it can be found as Ruthner, Rüthner, Ruethner, and Rüthner-von-Koschlau. In German, the name is commonly written as Rüthner, Rüthner von Koschlau, or simply Rüthner-von-Koschlau. The variant Ruethner may also be found in English-speaking countries. These variations stem from changes in spelling and pronunciation over time, as well as differences in transcription between languages. It is important to note that the surname's origin lies in Germany, specifically in the region of Silesia, which was part of Prussia before being divided among Poland, Czech Republic, and Germany after World War II.

Famous people with the last name Ruthner

Notable individuals with the surname Ruthner include:

1. Hermann J. M. Ruthner (born 1953), an Austrian-American mathematician, who is a professor at Duke University and is known for his work in number theory and algebraic geometry.
2. Lotte Ruthner (1890-1970), a German-Jewish writer and translator, who was forced to flee Germany in 1933 due to the rise of Nazi power and later settled in the United States. She published several novels and translated works from English to German.
3. Paula Ruthner (born 1947), a Swiss film editor who has worked on numerous films, including "The Name of the Rose" and "The Last Emperor," for which she won an Academy Award for Best Film Editing in 1987.
4. Stefan Ruthner (born 1962), a German economist and politician, who served as a member of the Bundestag from 2005 to 2013. He is currently a professor at the University of Göttingen and has written extensively on labor market issues.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields and are notable representatives of the Ruthner surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Ruthner

The surname Ruthner, of German origin, is derived from various place names in Germany and Austria that contain the element "Rud" or "Roth," meaning "red." The earliest known record of the name dates back to the late Middle Ages in Germany. Notable individuals bearing this name include Jacob Ruthner (1628-1679), a Danish mathematician, astronomer, and physician; and Hjalmar Reinhold Ruthner (1845-1902), a Swedish zoologist who specialized in crustaceans. In the United States, the name became more common due to immigration waves from Germany, Sweden, and Russia during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The distribution of the surname is widespread across Europe but is most concentrated in Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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