Ruling History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Wales
Ireland

Etymology of Ruling

What does the name Ruling mean?

The surname Ruling 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 Ruling may also be a local name derived from residence "at the rood;" that is, residence near a crossroads.

Early Origins of the Ruling family

The surname Ruling 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 Ruling family

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

Ruling Spelling Variations

Although there are not an extremely large number Welsh surnames, there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations of those surnames. This variety of spellings began almost immediately after the acceptance of surnames within Welsh society. As time progressed, these old Brythonic names were eventually were recorded in English. This process was problematic in that many of the highly inflected sounds of the native language of Wales could not be properly captured in English. Some families, however, did decide to modify their own names to indicate a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even a patriotic affiliation. The name Ruling has seen various spelling variations: Rudd, Wrudd, Rutt, Rud, Rut, Roud, Routt, Ruttle and others.

Early Notables of the Ruling family

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

Migration of the Ruling family to Ireland

Some of the Ruling 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 Ruling family

The Welsh migration to North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries contributed greatly to its rapid development. These migrants were in search of land, work, and freedom. Those Welsh families that survived the long ocean journey were critical to the development of new industries and factories, and to the quick settlement of land. They also added to an ever-growing rich cultural heritage. A search of the immigration and passenger lists has shown a number of people bearing the name Ruling: 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..