Ruggles Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Ruggles come from? What does the surname Ruggles mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Ruggles and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Ruggles Origin: What does the last name Ruggles mean?
The surname Ruggles is of American origin, first appearing in records in the early 18th century in the United States. It has remained closely associated with the US but has also been found in countries like England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand over the centuries. The name has a global presence, with significant records in the United States, Canada, Australia, England, New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, South Africa, and France by the 20th century.
YourRoots data confirms the widespread presence of the Ruggles surname in various countries, indicating its global spread and long history. The surname has roots in the United States dating back to the 18th century and has since expanded to other countries, showcasing a rich and diverse heritage across different regions and cultures.
Ruggles Last Name History: Where did the last name Ruggles come from?
Origin of Ruggles Surname: Where does the last name Ruggles originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Ruggles first appeared in records from the United States around the early 18th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Ruggles spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Ruggles: What does the Ruggles surname history look like in the early days?
The Ruggles surname remained closely associated with the United States from the 18th century. YourRoots data also shows Ruggles family records in countries like England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Ruggles surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Ruggles surname grew significantly in the United States. The Ruggles surname remains prominent in the United States, Canada, Australia, England, New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, South Africa, and France. It appears in many countries, indicating a widespread presence.
Explore Ruggles last name heritage and Ruggles surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Ruggles Surame?
Charlie Ruggles
Charles Sherman Ruggles (Feb 8, 1886 – Dec 23, 1970) was an American comic character actor known for his roles in nearly 100 feature films over six decades. From Broadway to television, Ruggles entertained audiences with his mild-mannered and comedic performances. He starred in classic films like "Bringing Up Baby" and "It Happened on Fifth Avenue," as well as TV series like "The Ruggles" and "The World of Mr. Sweeney." Ruggles left a lasting legacy in Hollywood, earning three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to motion pictures, radio, and television.
Wesley Ruggles
Wesley Ruggles (June 11, 1889 – January 8, 1972) was an American film director known for directing over 50 films, including the Oscar-winning Western "Cimarron." He also worked on comedies like "No Man of Her Own" with Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, and "I'm No Angel" with Mae West and Cary Grant. Ruggles even tried his hand at British cinema with "London Town," a Technicolor musical that unfortunately became a critical and commercial failure. Despite this, he left a mark on Hollywood with his contributions to the film industry.
David Ruggles
David Ruggles (Mar 15, 1810 – Dec 16, 1849) was an African-American abolitionist in New York City known for his involvement in the Underground Railroad. He helped over 600 fugitive slaves reach freedom in the North, including Frederick Douglass. Ruggles opened the first African-American bookstore in 1834 and was secretary of the New York Committee of Vigilance, aiding enslaved workers in the state. Despite facing opposition and physical assaults, he continued his activism for abolition and civil rights. Ruggles' dedication to the fight against slavery and his role in assisting fugitive slaves make him a significant figure in American history.
Carl Ruggles
Carl Ruggles (Charles Sprague Ruggles) (Mar 11, 1876 – Oct 24, 1971) was an American composer, painter, and teacher known for his unique "dissonant counterpoint" music style. Considered a founder of the ultramodernist movement, he influenced composers like Henry Cowell and Ruth Crawford Seeger. Despite his lack of formal musical education, Ruggles was a perfectionist, creating a small but impactful body of work. He was also a talented painter, selling many pieces during his lifetime. With a colorful personality, he counted fellow artists like Charles Ives and Thomas Hart Benton as close friends. His legacy lives on through his students and champions like conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.
Daniel Ruggles
Daniel Ruggles (January 31, 1810 – June 1, 1897) was a Brigadier General in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He played a significant role in the Battle of Shiloh, commanding a division and orchestrating a massive artillery attack that led to the Union surrender. Despite being from Massachusetts, he held Confederate beliefs and fought with renowned generals like Braxton Bragg and John C. Breckinridge. Ruggles also oversaw the prison system and the exchange of Union prisoners at the end of the war. His military career spanned various campaigns and battles, showcasing his leadership and strategic skills during a tumultuous period in American history.
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