Show ContentsRueger History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Rueger

What does the name Rueger mean?

The roots of the distinguished German surname Rueger lie in the southern regions of Swabia, Bavaria, and Austria. The name is derived from the Middle High German words "reigel" or "reiger," both meaning "heron." The name was likely first bestowed on someone thought to have the characteristics of a heron as a nickname, eventually becoming a hereditary surname.

Early Origins of the Rueger family

The surname Rueger was first found in Bavaria, where this family name became a prominent contributor to the development of the district from ancient times. Always prominent in social affairs, the name Rieger became an integral part of that turbulent region as it emerged to form alliances with other families within the Feudal System and the nation.

Early History of the Rueger family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rueger research. Another 108 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1790 and 1792 are included under the topic Early Rueger History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rueger Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Rieger, Reiger, Riegger, Reigger, Riegar, Reigar, Riger, Rigger, Ryger, Rygger, Riegler and many more.

Early Notables of the Rueger family

More information is included under the topic Early Rueger Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Rueger migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Rueger Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Thebis Rueger, who arrived in Carolina in 1738 1
  • Just Henrich Rueger, who landed in New York, NY in 1782 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Rueger (post 1700) +

  • George Edward Rueger (1929-2019), American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church Auxiliary Bishop of Worcester (1987-2005), Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Worcester (2005-2019)
  • James Rueger, American musician and composer, best known for his collaborative work for the Christian group Building 429


  1. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)


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