Rugh Family History & Genealogy
Rugh Last Name History & Origin
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A variant of the Alsacian/Swiss German name Ruch. From the time Michael Ruch immigrated in 1733 until at least 1745, documents use the Ruch spelling. But beginning about 1746, Michael and six of his seven children used the name Rugh. Virtually all Rughs in the US are descendants of two of Michael's sons: Peter and Jacob.
Name Origin
The Ruch name probably meant rough, hairy, shaggy or unkempt. It could also be a variant of Rauch, or smoke. An archaic German noun Ruch means an unpleasant smell. Or it might relate to the Ruch or Rook, a type of Old World crow.
Spellings & Pronunciations
Rugh is pronounced "Roo" like kangaroo. Ruch has several different pronunciations, "Rook" or "Ruck" in the US and Canada. To a German speaker it would rhyme with Buch.
Nationality & Ethnicity
Ruch is definitely known to be from the Bas-Rhin area of Alsace, specifically Zutzendorf and surrounding towns. There are Ruchs in Switzerland, and German-speaking families migrated freely across the borders, although the Rugh connection to Swiss Ruchs is unproved as of 2018.
Famous People named Rugh
Roberts Rugh (embryologist), Belle Dorman Rugh (author), William A. Rugh (ambassador to Yemen and UAE), Carrie Rugh (figure skater)
Early Rughs
These are the earliest records we have of the Rugh family.











Rugh Family Photos
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Rugh Family Tree
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Rugh Death Records & Life Expectancy
The average age of a Rugh family member is 75.0 years old according to our database of 438 people with the last name Rugh that have a birth and death date listed.
Life Expectancy
Oldest Rughs
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Followers & Sources
