Surname Runau - Meaning and Origin
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Runau: What does the surname Runau mean?
The last name Runau is of German origin. It was derived from a German personal name, Rone, which was derived from Rhabanus or Rageno, both of which mean “strong counsel” or “advice”. This personal name gave rise to several distinct place-names in Germany, where it became a popular given name, and ultimately, a surname.
Throughout much of German history, the Runau surname was associated with royalty, nobility, and royalty-related professions such as courtiers, and this association has carried over in some cases to the present day. This family name was most likely associated with wealthy landowners or wealthy people in general in the Middle Ages. Today, the Runau surname primarily resides in Germany, but it can also be found in other places in Europe and particularly in North America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Runau surname can also be found in some non-German speaking countries, extending its cultural influence far beyond its German roots. Regardless, the name still mostly carries with it a sense of strength, honor, and leadership that is rooted in the Germanic language and culture, making it a proud name to carry with an interesting and unique history.
Order DNA origin analysisRunau: Where does the name Runau come from?
The last name Runau is most commonly found in Germany, France, and the United States today.
In Germany, Runau is mostly concentrated in the region of Lower Saxony, with small pockets in Saxony-Anhalt and Rhineland-Palatinate. The largest population of Runaus in Germany is in the greater Berlin area. Theylive in cities such as Stade, Hamburg, Rostock, and Bremerhaven.
In France, Runau is most present in the eastern region, with a higher population in the regions of Alsace and Lorraine. The city of Strasbourg is the most populated city for the Runau name in France.
In the United States, Runau is found in the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and California. Most Runau families in the US are descendants from French families who immigrated to the US in the late 19th century. The majority of Runaus in the US live in the state of California, the most populous state for this name in the US.
Overall, the surname Runau is mostly a European name. It has spread to the US, but it is not as highly populated in the US as it is in Germany or France.
Variations of the surname Runau
The surname Runau is mainly found in Europe, particularly in Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. It is derived from either the German word "Run" meaning "frenzy" or from the Greek word "runo" meaning "thread".
Variants of the surname Runau include Ronau, Ronneau, Rennau, Runow, Runnau, Runne, Runneau, Runnah, Runow, Runnoe, Rönau, Runno, Ronnaud, Runa, Runoa, Runnoe, Ronno, Ronnoa, Runowy, Rönnau, Rénnau, Rönnö, Runna, Rönnoe, Runo, Rönnoh, Ronnu, and Ronnoe.
Spellings of Runau include Runnaw, Runoa, Ronna, Rennau, Runow, Rönna, Ronnaw, Rennoe, Rennow, Runoh, Runoo, Runaa, Ranna, Reinau, Rennoe, Runoe, Runaw, Rennow, Runoa, Runnu, and Runawe.
Surnames of similar origin include Rund, Runc, Runge, Runkel, Runte, Runz, Runzheimer, Rupp, Ruppy, Rhun, and Runnegar.
Famous people with the name Runau
- Zlatko Runau, German director, producer, and screenwriter
- Sam Runau, German footballer
- Pimina Runau, Dutch political figure
- Janis Runau, Dutch writer
- Ingrid Runau, Dutch folklorist and singer
- Yanis Runau, French footballer
- Rainer Runau, German writer
- Henrik Runau, Danish physicist
- Carsten Runau, German photographer
- Teun Runau, Dutch documentary filmmaker