There are
2994
Ruffners in the USA
Ruffner is the
10679th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Ruffner

JohnJ.

John J. Ruffner was a prominent businessman and philanthropist in the late 19th and early 20th century. He played a pivotal role in the development of the coal and steel industries in West Virginia, and his contributions greatly influenced the economic growth of the region.

WilliamH.

William H. Ruffner was an influential educator and educational reformer in Virginia during the late 19th century. He served as the first State Superintendent of Public Instruction and implemented several significant reforms to improve the quality and accessibility of education in the state.

HenryRuffner

Henry Ruffner was a renowned Presbyterian minister and educator. He notably served as the president of Washington College in Virginia (now Washington and Lee University). Ruffner is primarily remembered for his strong advocacy against slavery and his influential book titled 'An Address to the People of West Virginia,' which argued for the gradual emancipation of slaves.

MaryJane

Mary Jane Ruffner was a prominent suffragette and women's rights activist in the early 20th century. She played a crucial role in advancing women's suffrage movements in West Virginia and actively campaigned for equal rights and opportunities for women in various spheres of society.

JacobRuffner

Jacob Ruffner was a successful businessman and entrepreneur during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He established various profitable enterprises, including a salt business and a mill, contributing to the economic development of the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.

Ruffner Genealogy

OriginsThe origin of the surname 'Ruffner' can be traced back to Germany. It is derived from the German word 'ruffe,' meaning 'rough.' The name may have initially been a nickname given to someone with a rough or rugged demeanor.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Ruffner' is predominantly found in the United States, particularly in states such as Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. However, it can also be found in smaller numbers in other parts of the world, including Germany.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Ruffner' include 'Ruffener' and 'Ruffnor.' These variations may have resulted from phonetic or regional differences over time.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration patterns of individuals with the surname 'Ruffner' occurred primarily during the late 18th and 19th centuries. Many Ruffner families migrated from Germany to the United States, seeking better opportunities and escaping political and economic hardships. They settled in various regions, such as Virginia and West Virginia, where they contributed to the growth of industries such as coal, steel, and agriculture.