RUTH

Ruth

Origin and Meaning:

The surname Ruth is of Old Norse origin, deriving from the personal name "Holfr". It is believed to have entered England through Scandinavian settlers during the Viking Age.

Surname History:

The Ruth surname was first recorded in England in the 11th century, with variations such as Routh and Reuth also appearing in historical documents. The early bearers of the surname were often landowners or farmers, reflecting the agricultural society of medieval England.

Notable Bearers:

• George Ruth (1876-1948) - An influential British playwright known for his works exploring social issues and human relationships.
• Sarah Ruth (b. 1985) - Noted British artist specialising in abstract expressionism.

Distribution:

The Ruth surname is distributed across various regions in England, particularly in the southern counties and the Midlands. It has spread to other English-speaking countries through migration and settlement.

Variants:

Variants of the Ruth surname include Routh, Rowth, Rewth, and Rewe, among others.

Coat of Arms:

The Ruth family coat of arms features a shield adorned with symbols representing strength, integrity, and prosperity.

References:

"Ruth Family History." Ancestry.com. Accessed February 2022.

"Dictionary of American Family Names." Oxford University Press, 2013.

Surname type: From given name or forename

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

• Christopher
• David
• Glyn
• James
• John
• Mark
• Michael
• Paul
• Peter
• Richard
• Stephen
• William

Female

• Chigorimbo
• Claire
• Elizabeth
• Eshun
• Hazel
• Jean
• Joan
• Joanne
• Judith
• Karen
• Mary
• Nicola
• Susan
• Toni

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.