An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Runge

by Friedrich Kluge

Runge, f., ‘rung; bolt, pin; trigger,’ from MidHG. and MidLG. runge, f., ‘drag-shoe’; OHG. *runga, older *hrunga, f., are by chance not recorded; comp. Goth. hrugga, f., ‘staff,’ AS. hrung, E. rung. The prim. sense is probably ‘spar,’ therefore the connection with ModHG. Ring is doubtful.