Meaning & History
Ruff is an English and German surname that originated as a nickname or shortened form from a given name.
Etymology
The surname Ruff ultimately derives from a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion, though in its Germanic usage it is more commonly a derivative of the given name Rolf or its variant Ruf. The name Rolf itself is a reduced form of the Old German name Hrodulf, from the elements hruod “fame” and wolf “wolf.” Therefore, the name Ruff shares the same ancient root as Rudolf: the Germanic name Hrodulf, meaning “famous wolf.”
Distribution and Usage
The surname Ruff is found mainly in English-speaking countries and German-speaking regions. In England, it may also have originated as an independent surname from the Old English word for “red” (Anglo-Saxon ruff), used for a person with red hair, but this alternative etymology is less secure. In Germany, the name often appears as a patronymic or diminutive from Rolf or Ruf.
Notable Bearers
- Georg Gustav Ruf (1801–1880), German-American politician and businessman
- Karl-Erik Ruff (1910–1986), Swedish rower
- Paul Ruff (1897–1969), French general and military engineer
The spelling “Ruff” has been associated with various individuals across different fields, particularly in England and Germany.