3,490 Global RUDDY Family Members

RUDDY Family History

This interesting surname has two possible origins. Firstly, it may derive from the Olde English pre 7th Century "rud(ig)", Middle English "rudde" meaning red or ruddy and would have originated as a nickname for one with red hair or a ruddy complexion. The creation of surnames from nicknames was a common practice in the Middle Ages, and many modern-day surnames derive from medieval nicknames referring to the personal characteristics. The surname may also be of Irish origin as an Anglicized form of the Gaelic "O'Rodaigh" composed of the elements "O" meaning "descendant of" plus the personal name "Rodach", deriving from "rod" meaning spirited or furious...