Rudd
Derived from the Old English word "rudd," meaning "red," likely referring to someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 17,103 Americans carry the last name Rudd. That puts it at #2,451 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 4.99 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 20,041 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Rudd surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
17K
1 in 20,041
Census rank
#2,451
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
5.0
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
15K
uncommon in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 14,732 bearers of the surname Rudd in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 4.99 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 2451st position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Rudd, the largest self-reported group is White at 79.8%. The next largest groups are Black (14.1%) and Hispanic (2.4%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Rudd
The surname Rudd originates from England and dates back to the 11th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "ruddoc," meaning "red" or "ruddy," referring to someone with a reddish complexion or hair color.
In the Domesday Book of 1086, the earliest recorded mention of the name was as "Rudde," a variant spelling. This historical document, commissioned by William the Conqueror, provides valuable insights into the distribution of surnames across England during that era.
Throughout the medieval period, the name appeared in various records and documents with slight variations in spelling, such as Rudde, Rudd, and Rudde. These variations were common before the standardization of English spelling.
The earliest known individual with the surname Rudd was William Rudd, born around 1320 in Northamptonshire, England. He was a landowner and prominent figure in the local community.
Another notable figure was Sir Thomas Rudd (1460-1525), a wealthy merchant and member of the Worshipful Company of Mercers in London. He served as the Lord Mayor of London in 1504 and played a significant role in the city's governance.
In the 16th century, the Rudd family established themselves in Suffolk, where they owned estates and held influential positions. One prominent member was Sir Benjamin Rudd (1572-1651), a Member of Parliament and supporter of the Parliamentarian cause during the English Civil War.
During the 17th century, the Rudd family expanded their reach, with some members migrating to Ireland and North America. One such individual was John Rudd (1630-1695), who settled in Virginia and became a successful tobacco planter.
Another notable figure was Samuel Rudd (1693-1770), an English churchman and academic who served as the Master of Christ's College, Cambridge, and was renowned for his scholarship and contributions to education.
Throughout history, the Rudd surname has been associated with various professions, including landowners, merchants, clergymen, and academics, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of those who bore this name.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Rudd
Among Census respondents with the surname Rudd, the largest self-reported group is White at 79.8%. The next largest groups are Black (14.1%) and Hispanic (2.4%).
The bar chart below shows how Rudd bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Rudd surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White79.8%
- Black or African American14.1%
- Hispanic or Latino2.4%
- Two or more races2.0%
- American Indian and Alaska Native1.1%
- Asian and Pacific Islander0.5%
Year on year
2000 vs 2010 Census
How has the Rudd surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2000 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #2,343 | #2,451 | -4.6% |
| Count | 14,167 | 14,732 | 4.0% |
| Per 100K | 5.25 | 4.99 | -5.0% |
Between the 2000 and 2010 Census, the number of Rudd bearers went from 14,167 to 14,732 (+4.0% change). The surname moved down 108 positions in the national ranking, going from #2,343 to #2,451.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Rudd
FAQ
Rudd surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Rudd?
The surname Rudd holds position #2,451 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 17,103 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 4.99 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Rudd surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Rudd, the largest self-reported group is White at 79.8%. The next largest groups are Black (14.1%) and Hispanic (2.4%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.