Surname Rehfuß - Meaning and Origin
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Rehfuß: What does the surname Rehfuß mean?
The last name Rehfuß is a German surname derived from the German words "reh" and "fuss", which roughly translates to "deer foot" in English. It is believed to have originally been a toponymic surname, meaning that it initially referred to a particular geographic location, which was then used as a surname for people who originally lived there.
The exact origin of the name is somewhat unclear, although it likely came from a geographical feature, such as a mountain, lake, or river, filled with deer- the area may have been named in their honor, or possibly the name referenced a local trait, such as the ability to hunt or track the animals.
The name Rehfuß is still found in modern Germany today. It is most commonly found in the western German states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse, particularly in central and northern sections of the country. It is usually a rare finding, so many people with this surname are likely descended from a common ancestral line.
In its present-day form, the word Rehfuß can also mean “foot of the deer” in German, providing an interesting description of the family’s background. This could be meaningful to those who proudly carry the surname today, providing a tangible reminder of their ancestors’ lives and the importance of their geographical roots.
Order DNA origin analysisRehfuß: Where does the name Rehfuß come from?
The last name Rehfuß is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today. In Germany, Rehfuß is found most primarily in the southern German states of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Rhineland-Palatinate. It also appears in some parts of northern Germany, including Saxony and Lower Saxony. The highest concentration outside of Germany appears to be in Austria.
The last name Rehfuß is of Germanic origin and literally translates to "roe-foot," with "roe" presumably indicating a deer or similar animal. The name originated during the Middle Ages and likely arose from a nickname or occupational name for a hunter or animal caretaker.
The name can also be found in the United States, where it is likely carried by immigrants of German ancestry. Records indicate that the Rehfuß surname appears in some small numbers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, and Illinois.
Rehfuß is an uncommon but distinctive surname, and those who carry it can take pride in its Germanic origins. Today, it is most often associated with southern Germany and Austria.
Variations of the surname Rehfuß
The surname Rehfuß is of German origin, and there are a variety of spelling variations and variants that have derived from the original name. The variants Rehfus, Rehfuss, Rehfusser, Rehfüsser, Rehfueßer, Rehfußer, Reichfuss, Reichfusser, Reichfüsser, Reichfußer, Reichfueßer, Reifuss, Reifusser, Reifüsser, Reifußer, and Reifueßer all possess the same root origin and represent surname variations of Rehfuß.
Other variants of the surname include variants with a vowel change, such as Rehfuhs, Reichfuhs, and Reiffuhs, as well as variants with a consonant change, such as Rehfes, Reichfes, and Reiffes. Additionally, there are numerous German surnames based on the same root such as Rehbach, Rehfeld, Rehberg, Rehwasser, Rehme, Rhyman, Rhymandl, and Reichmann, which are merely phonetic variants of Rehfuß.
Variants of the same surname that are found in other languages include the Yiddish name Rehfuss, the Dutch name Reifus, and the French name Rehfusse. The English surnames Rehfus, Reehus, and Rhufus are all anglicized forms of the original Rehfuß.
In conclusion, there is a wide variety of spellings and variants for the surname Rehfuß, each possessing a strong link to the original name. These variants represent the evolution of Rehfuß over time, as well as the fact that many different languages were spoken in the area where the name originated.
Famous people with the name Rehfuß
- Julia Rehfuß: German model and contestant on German television show Der Bachelor
- Armin Rehfuss: vice-president of the Swiss Football Association
- Johannes Rehfuß: German footballer who plays for SpVgg Greuther Fürth in the 2. Bundesliga
- Johann Ludwig Rehfuß: 19th century German surgeon
- Etienne Rehfuss: French Swiss-born art director and production designer
- mit Rehfuss: former member of the German rock band Die Toten Hosen
- Thomas Rehfeß: Chief Operating Officer of the German football club Bayern Munich
- Johann Michael Rehfuß: Baroque sculptor active in Germany in the 1600s
- Johann Heinrich Rehfuß: 18th century German composer and artist
- Johann Heinrich Rehfuß: 1810-1888 German physician, historian, and geographer