Ruff Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Ruff come from? What does the surname Ruff mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Ruff and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Ruff Origin: What does the last name Ruff mean?
The surname Ruff has its origins in England, first appearing in records around the early 16th century. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the name was closely associated with Germany before growing in prominence in the United States from the 18th century onwards. By the 20th century, records of the Ruff surname significantly increased in the United States, where it remains prominent today.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Ruff surname in England and Germany historically, with a notable expansion in the United States over the centuries. The surname Ruff has a rich history and continues to be prevalent in the United States, reflecting its enduring legacy and widespread presence globally.
Ruff Last Name History: Where did the last name Ruff come from?
Origin of Ruff Surname: Where does the last name Ruff originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Ruff first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Ruff spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Ruff: What does the Ruff surname history look like in the early days?
The Ruff surname remained closely associated with Germany in the 16th and 17th centuries and later started growing in the United States from the 18th century.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Ruff surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Ruff surname grew significantly in the United States. The Ruff surname remains prominent in the United States.
Explore Ruff last name heritage and Ruff surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Ruff Surame?
Lindy Ruff
Lindy Cameron Ruff (born Feb 17, 1960) is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player known for his time with the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL. Ruff served as head coach for the Sabres, winning the Jack Adams Award in 2006. He also coached the Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils. As a player, Ruff played for the Sabres and New York Rangers, showcasing toughness and leadership on the ice. Ruff's success extends to the international stage, where he won gold medals as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics.
Michelle Ruff
Michelle Marie Ruff is an American voice actress known for her work in anime and video games. She has voiced iconic characters such as Rukia Kuchiki in *Bleach*, Yuki Nagato in *The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya*, and Jill Valentine in the *Resident Evil* series. Ruff's talent has earned her nominations for the American Anime Awards and an SPJA Industry Award. With a background in improv and training from industry veterans, she has become a respected figure in the world of voice acting. Ruff continues to captivate audiences with her versatile performances in various anime and video game titles.
Leon Ruff
Leon Ruff (born September 6, 1996) is an American professional wrestler known for his time in WWE as Leon Ruff. He gained fame as a one-time NXT North American Champion, winning the title in a surprising upset against Johnny Gargano. Ruff has also competed in Evolve, where he won the Evolve Tag Team Championship with A. R. Fox. With appearances in various WWE programs and a brief stint in All Elite Wrestling, Ruff continues to showcase his talent in the world of professional wrestling.
Matt Ruff
Matthew Theron Ruff (September 8, 1965 - present) is an American author known for his thrilling novels in various genres like science fiction and comics. He gained widespread recognition for his works "The Mirage" and "Lovecraft Country," the latter being adapted into an HBO TV series. Born in Brooklyn to a Lutheran family of German descent, Ruff's passion for storytelling emerged at a young age. Despite initial doubts from others, he pursued his dream and went on to publish several acclaimed novels, earning him prestigious awards like the James Tiptree, Jr. Award and the Washington State Book Award.
Alex Ruff
Alex Ruff (born 1974) is a Canadian politician and retired Colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces. He represents the riding of Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound in the House of Commons of Canada, first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2021. Ruff served in various military postings, including deployments to Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. In federal politics, he won the Conservative nomination for his riding in 2019 and has held various roles within the Conservative Party House Leadership team. Ruff continues to serve as a Member of Parliament and is a member of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians.
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