Rutter

The surname Rutter is an English surname derived from an occupational name for a player of the rote, a medieval musical instrument resembling the fiddle. The name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is believed to date back to the pre-7th century period.

The first recorded spelling of the name Rutter was in 1221, in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire, during the reign of King Henry III. Over the centuries, the surname spread throughout England, with concentrations in counties such as Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Devon.

Variants of the surname Rutter include Ruttar, Ruter, and Routter. Notable individuals bearing the surname Rutter include John Rutter, a renowned composer and conductor in the contemporary classical music scene.

Today, the surname Rutter remains fairly common in Britain and has also been carried to other English-speaking regions through migration and colonialism. The name often signifies a connection to the historical occupation of playing the rote, while its bearers continue to contribute to various fields and industries.

There are approximately 9,482 people named Rutter in the UK. That makes it the 982nd most common surname in Britain. Around 146 in a million people in Britain are named Rutter.

Surname type: Occupational name

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
  • Anthony
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Stephen
  • Thomas

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Joanne
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Pamela
  • Patricia
  • Samantha
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

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