Surname Ruefner - Meaning and Origin
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Ruefner: What does the surname Ruefner mean?
The surname Ruefner does not have a widely known or established meaning traced in ancestry or historical records. It's possible that it could be a variation of other German surnames. In many cases, German surnames were derived from occupations, geographical locations, or descriptive nicknames. As unique and rare as the name 'Ruefner' may seem, its definitive etymology or origin is not explicitly stated or recognized in the standard historical or genealogical sources. Factors such as spelling variations and regional influences also come into play, making the tracing a bit complex. It is always beneficial to research one’s personal lineage to discover potential meanings or origins of their surnames.
Order DNA origin analysisRuefner: Where does the name Ruefner come from?
The last name Ruefner is most commonly seen today in Germany and other parts of Central and Eastern Europe. It is derived from the German word "Ruef," which translates to "roof," and is thought to have been for people living in a place with a roof. The surname is also seen in Austria and the Czech Republic, and was also popular in Prussia and Silesia in the 18th century.
Ruefner families are usually found in large cities, where hundreds of people of different nationalities live together. The cities of Frankfurt and Leipzig are two of the most popular places in Germany where Ruefner families can be found. As of recent years, cities in the US such as New York, Nevada, California, and Oregon also have a large number of people with Ruefner as their last name.
Ruefner families in Eastern and Central Europe tend to have strong ties to their homeland and many of them live in close knit communities that keep the last name alive. Historically, members of the Ruefner family have been involved in various professions, including those in science, art, medicine, and music.
Overall, Ruefner is a relatively common surname among families in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as in some parts of the United States. Their widespread presence is a reminder of the people of all nationalities that have migrated throughout Europe over the past few centuries.
Variations of the surname Ruefner
Ruefner is a German surname. Variants of the name include Ruef and Reufner. It is most commonly spelled Ruefner, although there are a few alternative ways to spell it, such as Reufener, Reufnor, Rüfner and Rufner.
The various spellings of Ruefner are all derived from the Old German word raifa, which means ‘to roar, swift, and keen’. The surname is often associated with military families from the Middle Ages who owned large estates or farms with a steady income.
The variants of Ruefner can also be found with other surnames that are closely related to each other. The German surnames Reifener, Reifner, Reufenauer, Reufner, Ruefenauer, Rueffner, Ruifener, Ruifner, Ruiffenauer, Ruiffener, Ruiffner, Rufener, and Ruffenauer are all variations of the same name. Some of these versions of the name are used by people in Germany to this day.
In the United States, modern variants on the surname include Refiner and Rufener. These variations arose in the 1800s when immigration from Europe increased, and individual families sought to vary or change their heritage surnames to fit the English language.
Ruefner is a unique surname, and although it may seem like a fairly uncommon name today, the different spellings and variants testify to the popularity of this German family name through the centuries.
Famous people with the name Ruefner
- Matt Ruefner: American stunt performer, known for his work on How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), Fantastic Four (2015), and TV Series Fear the Walking Dead (2015-present).
- Amandus Konstantin Ruefner: German astronomer known for his 1859 discovery of the minor planet 588 Achilles
- Friedrich Ruefner: German actor, known for his roles in the films The Attacks of the Red Book (1962) and Die Fälschung (1981)
- Richard Ruefner: Austrian composer, whose works include Requiem for a Time Machine, Die Praterstraße, and The Festival of the Holy Corner
- Rudolf Lorenz Ruefner: born in Germany, became an American opera singer and voice teacher
- Joseph Ruefner: Austrian explorer, credited for discovering parts of the South American continent during his time in the Spanish Navy.
- Norman Ruefner: American WWI veteran, and notable documentaries producer, who was part of the “Army Pictorial Service” during World War I.
- Kate Ruefner: Australian actress, known for her roles in the movies “The Last Resort” and “Sons and Daughters”, and the TV series “The Wiggles”.