Surname Ruebben - Meaning and Origin

Ruebben: What does the surname Ruebben mean?

The last name Ruebben is thought to have originated in the Dutch language and can be traced back to the Medieval period. It is believed to have originally been bestowed as a topographic surname, used to describe a person from a location where there was a clearing or an opening in the forest - the German word "ruben" translates to "clearing".

Ruebben could also have been derived from the German term “rubin” which translates to “Ruby”, meaning families who favoured this gemstone or perhaps wore it as a badge of membership. In this case, the name might be indicative of particular privilege and high rank.

Although it is still found in the Netherlands, Ruebben is more commonly found in countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In Germany, the surname may have been derived from a short form of the personal name “Rupert”, which was borne by the mercenary leader of the Anglo-Saxon forces at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The name could also be related to the Old High German name “Robina” or “Rudin”, meaning “Big-hearted” or “Famous”.

No matter its origin, Ruebben is a unique name with a rich and varied history. It symbolizes strength, loyalty, and an adventurous spirit - qualities that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Ruebben: Where does the name Ruebben come from?

The last name Ruebben is most commonly found today in the Netherlands and Germany, as this was the original homeland of the name.

Ruebben is an occupational name derived from the Dutch words “ru”, meaning red, and “boon”, meaning beans. This indicates a person who once sold red beans or leeks. It's likely that the initial settlers of the name were agricultural workers.

Today, people with the name Ruebben are spread all over the world. They can be found in countries as varied as the United States, Canada, China, and the United Kingdom. It is more common, however, in the areas of their origin, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and France.

Ruebben is a modern name, but its use goes all the way back to the Middle Ages. During this time, many Dutch surnames were based on the occupation of the bearer. With its harvest-related beginnings, the name has since become more commonly used than ever, no longer limited to only those in agriculture.

Given its long history and prevalence around the world, the last name Ruebben is likely to remain a strong presence. With more and more people bearing the name, it will remain a part of the global community for generations to come.

Variations of the surname Ruebben

The surname Ruebben has several variants. It can also be spelled as Rubben, Rueben, Reubben, Roebben, Reuben, and Ruebens. It is mostly found in the Netherlands and Germany.

The variants are also used in the Netherlands. The Dutch spelling is Roebben, while the German spelling is Ruebens. Other spellings include Reuben, Reubben, Rubben and Rueben.

Ruebben is an occupational surname, derived from the old German word 'ruob', meaning 'dyed cloth'. It was originally given to those who dyed cloth as a trade.

In the Netherlands, the suffix '-en' is added to the end of the name when forming its short version. This is why Ruebben often appears as Ruebens in Dutch records.

The surname can also be found in France, where it is spelled Ruebén or Ruebé. It is likely derived from the German Ruebens.

In some cases, the spelling may also be affected by dialect or pronunciation. Some spellings may include Rubbin, Ruebin, and Ruvbin.

Ruebben is also a patronymic surname, based on the given name Rueb. Thus, it can also be a first name, and its patronymic version can be found as Ruebs, Ruebsen, Ruubs, Ruubsen, and Ruubs.

All of the above spellings and surnames have the same origin and are variations of the original Ruebben.

Famous people with the name Ruebben

• Johannes Ruebben: famous Dutch sea pilot who guided Dutch ships around the Dutch East Indies and sailed in multiple Dutch fleet expeditions under the command of the Dutch East India Company.
• Jürgen Ruebben: German composer of contemporary art music and a professor of composition at the Hochschule für Musik in Cologne.
• Simone Ruebben: former German figure skater and two-time German national champion.
• Alison Ruebben: American Olympic ice dancing competitor and a Gold medalist in 2018.
• Timo Ruebben: former World Cup alpine skier and a popular ski instructor from Germany.
• Michael Ruebben: American film director, producer, and cinematographer with films such as Beyond Good and Evil, Running Red, and Heaven is a Place on Earth.
• Thea Ruebben: Belgian-born Dutch sculptor and painter of the 19th century.
• Marlies Ruebben: Dutch high-jump athlete and a Bronze medal winner in the 1924 Summer Olympics.
• Hans-Joachim Ruebben: German physicist and professor at the University of Giessen.
• Werner Ruebben: accomplished conductor and violinist with multiple recordings and awards to his name.

Other surnames

Ruebberdt