Ruddman Surname History

Origins Available:
Wales
Ireland

The surname Ruddman is derived from the Old English root "rud-," a component in the words "rudig," which means "ruddy," and "ruddoc," which means "red-breast." The surname was originally a nickname for a ruddy complexioned or red-haired person, or perhaps for someone who habitually wore the color red. The surname Ruddman may also be a local name derived from residence "at the rood;" that is, residence near a crossroads.

Early Origins of the Ruddman family

The surname Ruddman was first found in Carmarthenshire (Welsh: Sir Gaerfyrddin), located in Southwest Wales, one of thirteen historic counties and presently one of the principal area in Wales, where they held a family seat from very ancient times; some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Ruddman family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ruddman research. Another 130 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1674, 1757 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Ruddman History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ruddman Spelling Variations

Although there are comparatively few Welsh surnames, they have a great many spelling variations. Variations of Welsh names began almost immediately after their acceptance within Welsh society. In the Middle Ages, it was up to priests and the few other people that recorded names in official documents to decide how to spell the names that they heard. Variations that occurred because of improper recording increased dramatically as the names were later transliterated into English. The Brythonic Celtic language of Wales, known by natives as Cymraeg, featured many highly inflected sounds that could not be properly captured by the English language. Spelling variations were, however, also carried out according to an individual's design: a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were all indicated by the particular variation of one's name. The spelling variations of the name Ruddman have included Rudd, Wrudd, Rutt, Rud, Rut, Roud, Routt, Ruttle and others.

Early Notables of the Ruddman family

Another 36 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ruddman Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Ruddman family to Ireland

Some of the Ruddman family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 93 words (7 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Ruddman family

Many people from Wales joined the general migration to North America in the 19th and 20th centuries, searching for land, work, and freedom. Like the many other immigrants from the British Isles, they made a significant contribution to the development of Canada and the United States. The Welsh and their descendents added a rich cultural tradition to the newly developed towns, cities, and villages. An investigation of the immigration and passenger lists has revealed a number of people bearing the name Ruddman: John and Abraham Rudd, who settled in Virginia in 1698; Elizabeth Rudd settled in Delaware in 1682; Amos, Isaac, Michael, Richard, Thomas and William Rudd all arrived in Philadelphia between 1775 and 1850..