Rupe is a surname of Germanic origin. The closest associated German surname to Rupe is Ruprecht, which in German, is used to describe the helper of St.Nicholas (Knecht Ruprecht) or Santa's helper, but literally means helper (knecht) to right (recht) children who are rude/gruff (rup or ruppig) or naughty.
Individuals with the surname Rupe include:
Art Rupe (born 1917), American music industry executive and record producer, founder of the record label Specialty Records, born Arthur GoldbergCarmen Rupe (1936-2011), New Zealand-Australian drag performer, brothel keeper and anti-discrimination and HIV/AIDS activistDoug Rupe, Australian Paralympic athlete who competed in the 1976 Paralympic GamesEric Rupe (born 1963), American BMX racerHans Rupe (1866-1951), Swiss professor of organic chemistryJosh Rupe (born 1982), American former Major League Baseball relief pitcherRyan Rupe (born 1975), American former Major League Baseball pitcher