NomOrigine Background

Last Name Rutishauser

What is the origin of the last name Rutishauser?

The surname Rutishauser is of Swiss-German origin. It is derived from a place name, "Rüti" or "Rütis", which can be found in various parts of Switzerland. The surname likely originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a settlement called Rüti or as an occupational name for someone who was associated with the place, such as a servant or tenant. Over time, variations of the name have arisen due to differences in transcription and translation, including Rützinger, Rütscher, and Rutigliano (Italian).

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Rutishauser

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rutishauser

The meaning and origin of the last name Rutishauser

The surname Rutishauser originates from Switzerland and is a variant of Rutschi, which means "slippery" or "sliding" in German. It is primarily found in the canton of St. Gallen where it likely developed as a topographic name for someone who lived near a slippery or steep area. The name Rutishauser may have also been an occupational name for someone whose job involved dealing with slippery substances, such as ice or snow. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have resulted in the modern form of the surname, which includes Rutschi, Rutishausen, and Rutishauser.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rutishauser

The surname Rutishauser is primarily found in Swiss-German regions and among the Swiss diaspora. Historically, it originated in the Canton of Zurich, specifically in the town of Uster, indicating its roots in the Zurich Oberland area. Today, a significant number of individuals bearing this surname reside in Switzerland, with concentrations particularly in the cantons of Zurich and Aargau. Beyond Switzerland, the Rutishauser name can also be found among Swiss expatriates and their descendants in various countries, notably the United States, Germany, Canada, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rutishauser

The surname Rutishauser, although German in origin, has several variations and spelling forms due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include:

1. Rüttiger (Swiss-German phonetic variation)
2. Rützinger (another Swiss-German variant)
3. Rüttheiser (a Bohemian-Czech or Austrian form)
4. Rützel (a shortened version of any of the above, with a different ending)
5. Ruettinger (English transliteration of the German surname)
6. Rütheisser (another possible English transliteration)
7. Rutheiser (yet another English transliteration variation)
8. Rützheiser (a slightly different phonetic spelling)

These variations may occur due to differences in pronunciation, regional dialects, or transcription errors over time and across borders. However, the original German form of the surname is likely "Rutishauser," which derives from the place name "Rütihus" or "Rütihüsi."

Famous people with the last name Rutishauser

Notable individuals sharing the surname Rutishauser include:

1. Paul Rutishauser (born 1964), Swiss theoretical physicist known for his work on quantum field theory and string theory. He is currently a professor at ETH Zurich.
2. Adolf Rutishauser (1921-1978), Swiss computer scientist who was instrumental in the development of the first high-level programming language, FLUSSY, in the 1950s.
3. Christian Rutishauser (born 1964), Swiss mathematician specializing in geometry and algebraic topology. He has worked at several prestigious universities, including Stanford University and Harvard University.
4. Hans Rutishauser (1918-1955), Swiss mathematician known for his work on algebraic geometry and numerical analysis. His most famous contribution is the Rutishauser-Keller algorithm for solving Diophantine equations.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields of science and mathematics, demonstrating a strong tradition of academic excellence within the Rutishauser family.

Genealogical research on the last name Rutishauser

The surname Rutishauser is believed to have originated from the German-speaking regions, specifically in Switzerland. Variations such as Rutschhausers and Rüttimanns are also found, suggesting possible regional variations or familial shifts over time. The name is derived from the Old High German "Ruodhait" and "Husari," meaning "red householder."

One prominent family with this surname, originating from St. Gallen, Switzerland, migrated to Pennsylvania in the United States in the 18th century. This family branch is often traced back to Johannes Rutishauser, who settled in Philadelphia around 1735. The Rutishausers have had a significant presence in the fields of mathematics and engineering, with notable figures like Leonhard Rutishauser, a Swiss computer scientist known for his contributions to early computer algebra systems, and David Rutishauser, an American mathematician who made significant contributions to category theory.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 25 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Rutambuka (Last name)

surnames > rutambuka

The surname Rutambuka is of Bantu origin, specifically from the ethnic group of the Bemba people, who primarily reside in Zambia and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In B...

Rute (Last name)

surnames > rute

The surname Rute is believed to have origins in various regions, primarily in Spain and Germany. In Spain, it's thought to be a variant of the surname Ruiz, which means "son of Lui...

Rute tariku (Last name)

surnames > rute-tariku

The last name "Rute Tariku" has its origin in Ethiopia. "Rute" is a common Ethiopian first name, while "Tariku" means "His Excellency" or "His Honor" in Amharic, one of the languag...

Rutecki (Last name)

surnames > rutecki

The surname Rutecki is of Polish origin. It derives from a topographic name for someone who lived by a small wood or thicket, derived from the Slavic word "rut" meaning rowan tree ...

Ruth (Last name)

surnames > ruth

The last name "Ruth" has multiple possible origins and can be derived from different sources. 1. German Origin: In German, "Ruth" is a surname derived from the given name "Rüde" ...

Ruth jane (Last name)

surnames > ruth-jane

The last name "Ruth Jane" has English origins. "Ruth" is a Hebrew name meaning "companion" or "friend," and "Jane" is a feminine form of "John," which is of Hebrew origin meaning "...

Ruth mwende (Last name)

surnames > ruth-mwende

The last name "Mwende" is of Kenyan origin, specifically from the Kamba ethnic group in Kenya. It is a common name among the Kamba people and is often used as a first name for fema...

Ruthardt (Last name)

surnames > ruthardt

The surname Ruthardt is believed to have originated from Germany, specifically the region of Thuringia. It is derived from a personal name composed of the elements "Hrod" meaning f...

Ruthe (Last name)

surnames > ruthe

The last name Ruthe is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "ruthe," meaning "rod" or "stick." It is likely an occupational surname for someone who work...

Ruthen (Last name)

surnames > ruthen

The surname Ruthen is believed to have originated from various sources based on different geographical regions. 1. Germany: It could be a variant of the German surname Ruhter, whi...

Ruthenaresh (Last name)

surnames > ruthenaresh

The last name Ruthenaresh is of Indian origin. It is derived from the combination of the name Rute, which means "truth", and Naresh, which means "king" or "lord".

Ruthie lusa (Last name)

surnames > ruthie-lusa

The last name "Lusa" is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the word "luso," which means Portuguese. This surname may indicate someone of Portuguese descent or someone with ro...

Ruthner (Last name)

surnames > 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 dwell...

Rutka (Last name)

surnames > rutka

The surname "Rutka" is of Polish origin. It is derived from a topographic name for someone who lived near a stream or creek, from the Polish word "rutka," meaning "stream." This su...

Rutkowski (Last name)

surnames > rutkowski

The surname Rutkowski is of Polish origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically one that ended in "Rukt" or "Rutki," which were common names for villages in Poland. As wit...