Get access to Ruddell family records.Start a free trial

Ruddell Family History

Ruddell Name Meaning

English: habitational name from Ruddle in Newnham (Gloucestershire) or Rudhall in Ross (Herefordshire). The Gloucestershire placename may derive from Old English hrēod ‘reed’ + lēah ‘woodland clearing’ though an error due to confusion with the Gloucestershire placename Rodley may mean that the second element comes from Old English hyll ‘hill’. The Herefordshire placename derives from Old English halh ‘nook corner of land’ with an uncertain first element perhaps the Old English plant-name rūde ‘rue’ or Middle English rud ‘marigold’. English: nickname from a diminutive of Middle English rud(de) ‘red’. Compare Rudd . English and Irish (Armagh): variant of Riddell . Probably also an altered form of German Rüdel (see Rudel ).

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022

Similar surnames: Rundell, Rudell, Briddell, Redell, Durell, Riddel, Rummell, Rundall

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Black & white image of a young woman scientist

Where is the Ruddell family from?

You can see how Ruddell families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Ruddell family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Ruddell families were found in USA in 1920. In 1891 there were 78 Ruddell families living in London. This was about 54% of all the recorded Ruddell's in United Kingdom. London had the highest population of Ruddell families in 1891.

Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Ruddell surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.

View Census Data for Ruddell

What Ruddell family records will you find?

Census Records
There are 13,000 census records available for the last name Ruddell. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Ruddell census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.
Search UK census records for Ruddell
Passenger Lists
There are 1,000 immigration records available for the last name Ruddell. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.
View all Ruddell immigration records
Draft Cards
There are 1,000 military records available for the last name Ruddell. For the veterans among your Ruddell ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.
View all Ruddell military records

Census Records

There are 13,000 census records available for the last name Ruddell. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Ruddell census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Ruddell

Passenger Lists

There are 1,000 immigration records available for the last name Ruddell. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Ruddell immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 1,000 military records available for the last name Ruddell. For the veterans among your Ruddell ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Ruddell military records

You've only scratched the surface of Ruddell family history

Discover More

What is the average Ruddell lifespan?

Between 1953 and 2004, in the United States, Ruddell life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1955, and highest in 2004. The average life expectancy for Ruddell in 1953 was 48, and 81 in 2004.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Ruddell

Browse profiles of historical people with the Ruddell last name

Start a 14-Day Free Trial