by Jim Young (guest)
3/14/2007, 12:39 PM
According to Jean Tosti this name means "little stream", and so is locative. However, he then goes on to add that a German origin cannot be ruled out, coming from Rutz, a diminutive of Rudolf. I think the basis of this idea is that the name belongs to Saone et Loire, a region close to Lorraine and the Swiss border. I prefer the first suggestion.