Show ContentsRuttle History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Ruttle

What does the name Ruttle mean?

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

Early Origins of the Ruttle family

The surname Ruttle 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 Ruttle family

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

Ruttle Spelling Variations

Compared to other ancient cultures found in the British Isles, the number of Welsh surnames are relatively few, but there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations. These spelling variations began almost as soon as surname usage became common. Scribes or priests would spell the names as they heard them, causing many different variations. Later, many Welsh names were recorded in English. This transliteration process was extremely imprecise since the Brythonic Celtic language of the Welsh used many sounds the English language was not accustomed to. Finally, some variations occurred by the individual's design: a branch loyalty within a family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were indicated by spelling variations of one's name. The Ruttle name over the years has been spelled Rudd, Wrudd, Rutt, Rud, Rut, Roud, Routt, Ruttle and others.

Early Notables of the Ruttle family

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

Migration of the Ruttle family to Ireland

Some of the Ruttle 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.


Ruttle migration to Canada +

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 Ruttle:

Ruttle Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Mr. John Ruttle, aged 14 who was emigrating through Grosse Isle Quarantine Station, Quebec aboard the ship "Pursuit" departing 4th May 1847 from Liverpool, England; the ship arrived on 23rd June 1847 but he died on board 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Ruttle (post 1700) +

  • Mat Ruttle, British based actor
  • James "Jim" Ruttle, Irish politician, Fianna Fáil member of Seanad Éireann from 1980 to 1981


  1. Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 94)


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