Surname Ruehl - Meaning and Origin
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Ruehl: What does the surname Ruehl mean?
The last name Ruehl is of German origin. The name means “kings council” and is derived from the Middle High German “rule”, meaning “judgment” or “counsel”. It was a title associated with royal advisors and counselors. According to some sources, the earliest ancestors of the Ruehl family were prominent members of the German aristocracy and some even served as imperial advisors to the Holy Roman Empire.
The name Ruehl has been found in Germany, the United States, and various other countries since at least the mid-19th century. In the United States, it is primarily concentrated in Pennsylvania, with additional presence in Ohio, California, Texas, Michigan, and some other states.
Throughout the centuries, Ruehl has remained relatively rare, but its use has slowly increased, particularly in America since the early 20th century. Many modern Ruehl families of German ancestry have proudly kept the surname. Regardless of origin, the name provides a connection to an illustrious past and a reminder of humble beginnings.
Order DNA origin analysisRuehl: Where does the name Ruehl come from?
Ruehl is an uncommon last name today. It is primarily found in Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It is believed to be a German name derived from the Middle High German word rouwe, meaning "praise" or "glory".
Ruehl may also be an Americanized spelling of the Dutch surname Roeleveld, meaning "woodland clearing". This name originated as an occupational name for a woodsman or someone who lived and worked in a forested clearing. The name is still found in some Dutch communities in the United States today.
Ruehl is also a common name in the Philippines, derived from the Spanish Ruel. It is usually found in families of mixed Filipino-Hispanic backgrounds, or simply Filipinos with a Spanish surname.
Although the name is not very common today, it still holds a certain appeal. Numbering only a few thousand around the world, the smaller numbers of Ruehl may indicate uniqueness and a certain underlying strength.
Variations of the surname Ruehl
The surname Ruehl has a plethora of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Common variants include Reuhl, Ruehle, Ruhl, Rühl, Rühle, Rewl, Rewle, Roel, Roell, Roelz, Roehl, Rohel, Rohell, Rohl, Rohle, Rohling, Rolly, Rull, Rühlle, Röhl, and Röhle.
The surname derives from the German word for “red” (which is “rot” in German). This surname was most likely given to those who had a reddish complexion, hair, or beard. It is also an occupational surname that was given to red-robed judges or administrators in Germany.
Many of the variants are derived from regional spelling variations and dialects. For example, the variants Rewl and Rewle are from the Upper German dialects, and the variants Rohel and Rohell are from the Middle German dialects.
The surname is quite popular in Germany, and has spread to other European countries and the United States. It is also commonly found as a given name in many countries as well.
The surname Ruehl is also found in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway. In the United States, the surname is most common in Pennsylvania.
In some cases, the surname Ruehl has become Anglicized: Roel, Roell, Roelz, Roehl, and Rohell have all become Rol, Rolle, Rolz, Roel, and Roell, respectively.
Overall, the surname Ruehl has a variety of variants, spellings, and roots. These various forms have been found all over Europe and the United States.
Famous people with the name Ruehl
- Mercedes Ruehl: She is a critically acclaimed American actress who won the Academy Award for her performance in “The Fisher King” (1991).
- Marc Ruehl: He is a German swimmer who competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics and won gold medals in the 200 m backstroke and 4 × 100 m medley relay.
- Adam Ruehl: He is an Australian actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows.
- Ulrich Ruehl: He is a German swimmer who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics and won gold medals in the 400m and 4 × 200 m freestyle relays.
- Will Ruehl: He is an American actor who has appeared in a number of popular films such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “Beauty Shop” (2005).
- Cecilia Ruehl: She is a Brazilian actress well known for her appearances in many television commercials and shows.
- Ken Ruehl: He is an American game show host and producer, best known for his work with "The Price is Right" (2008) and “Let’s Make a Deal” (2009).
- Leo Ruehl: He is a German sculptor and painter who has exhibited his works all over the world.
- Matt Ruehl: He is a former NFL player who played linebacker for the Miami Dolphins.
- Charles E. Ruehl: He is a former NASCAR driver who competed in 36 races between 1959 and 1964.