Ruff

Ruff is a British surname with early records dating back to medieval times. The name is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word hrufe, meaning "rough" or "coarse", which likely originated as a nickname for someone with a rough or rugged demeanor.

The Ruff family has been found throughout various regions of England, with concentrations in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Devon. Over the centuries, the surname has evolved in spelling and pronunciation, leading to variations such as Ruffe, Ruffell, Ruffin, and Ruffles.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Ruff include artists, scholars, and professionals, whose contributions have added to the diverse tapestry of British history and culture. Today, descendants of the Ruff family can be found across the United Kingdom and in other parts of the world, reflecting the diaspora of British heritage.

The surname Ruff encapsulates a rich history of resilience, creativity, and community, embodying the enduring spirit of British identity.

There are approximately 2,141 people named Ruff in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,957th most common surname in Britain. Around 33 in a million people in Britain are named Ruff.

Surname type: Nickname

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen

Female

  • Angela
  • Caroline
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Karen
  • Kathleen
  • Kelly
  • Michelle
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Tina

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.