Surname Reiffenrath - Meaning and Origin
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Reiffenrath: What does the surname Reiffenrath mean?
The last name Reiffenrath is a German surname that has been traced to the area of Pomerania in modern-day Germany. It is believed to have originally been derived from the Old German pre-7th century personal name Reginfrido, and was probably a baptismal name. The Old High German 'regina' translates as 'person of power', and 'frido' as 'peace' or 'widely loved'. The name would have described somebody held in a position of respect and authority in the community.
Over time, the surname Reiffenrath developed from this original Old German form, as more precise spelling conventions were developed. During the 1880s in Prussia, it was a popular last name amongst the country's nobility, so the name was likely associated with wealth and power.
The surname Reiffenrath is seen today throughout Germany and the rest of the world. Through immigration, it is no longer limited to the Pomerania region where it is likely to have begun. It is a common surname within German-speaking countries, with significant numbers in Austria, Switzerland, and the USA. Many people bearing the name today continue the legacy of respect associated with the name and are people of power and authority in their own communities.
Order DNA origin analysisReiffenrath: Where does the name Reiffenrath come from?
The last name Reiffenrath is most commonly found in Germany and the United States. In Germany, the name has most often been seen in the Rhineland region in the western part of the country, in areas close to the border with Belgium and the Netherlands. In the United States, the name is most common in the Midwestern states, especially Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois.
It is believed to have originated from the city of Mülheim an der Ruhr in the western part of Germany in the early 18th century. The surname is also an old German word meaning "corkscrew brand". It was likely first adopted by an ancestor of the Reiffenraths when they first settled in the Rhineland.
Although the name originated in Germany, the surname is now found spread throughout the United States. It was common for many European families to move to America during the 19th century. During this time, many immigrants adopted a new surname to start their lives in the new country. The Reiffenrath family could have easily been one of these families, thus bringing the name to the United States.
Overall, the surname Reiffenrath is most common in Germany and the United States. It is a strong family name, and has been passed down and adopted throughout the generations. Today, the name can be found in many states across the United States, as well as the Rhineland region of Germany.
Variations of the surname Reiffenrath
The surname Reiffenrath is an occupational surname originating in Germany. It is derived from the Middle High German verbs ‘reifen’ and ‘rathen’, which mean “to rule” and “to advise” respectively.
The surname can also be found spelled as Reifenraht, Reichfrath, Reichfenrath, Reichhenrath, Reichefrath, Reifenrat, Reifenrahd, Reiffenradt, Reiffenraht, Reiffenrath, and Rieffenrat.
Variations on the surname can also be found with reported variations including Reiffenberg, Reifenberg, Reichenberg, Reifeld, Reifler, Reifferscheid, Reifferscheidt, Reiffert, Reiffertz, Reifling, Reifman, Reifs, Reifsch, Reifschneider, Reifsnyder, Ryfas, Ryff, Ryffer, Ryffs, and Ryfft.
The surname is also found in Germany among Jewish families, with variations including Reichstahl, Reichsthal, Reichtein, and Ryfenstein.
In some cases, the surname’s spelling may be altered due to immigration or anglicization. Some of these variants include Reiffenthal, Reiffentael, Reifenthall, Reiffenstahl, Reiffenstein, Reifenstein, Reyffenstein, Reiffton, Reyffton, Riffenburgh, and Riffenbarg.
The variations on the surname Reiffenrath suggest that it is a surname with origins that stretch back to medieval Germany when the surname was originally adopted.
Famous people with the name Reiffenrath
- Christopher Reiffenrath: An American politician who served in the Iowa House of Representatives from 2009 to 2013.
- John Reiffenrath: An American television producer and screenwriter. He was the head writer of the late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! in its formative years and was later nominated for two Emmy Awards for his writing on the show.
- Hank Reiffenrath: An American civil rights leader and civil engineer who broke ground in racial integration in Missouri. He played a pivotal role in challenging racial segregation in St. Louis, helping to gain admission of black citizens to social clubs, service clubs, and the St. Louis Country Club.
- Robert Reiffenrath: An American architect. He created residential, industrial, and commercial designs, and his works can be found in the Art Institute of Chicago, Carnegie Museum of Art, the Smithsonian Institution, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
- Jeff Reiffenrath: An American award-winningartist and fine artist. He is most known for his paintings of the Civil War-era ships, battles, and ports, and his workhas been featured in exhibitions around the country.
- Don Reiffenrath:An American radio broadcaster and disc jockey who hosted the nationally syndicated program, "Lonely Street," in the 1950s. He also served as a professor of Radio Broadcasting at California State University, Northridge.
- Monica Reiffenrath: An American actress. She’s best known for her depiction of Holly in the comedy movie Easy Money (1983). She also had a role in the hit series MacGyver.
- Priscilla Reiffenrath: An American model and fashion designer. She’s walked in numerous major fashion shows in New York and possesses her own fashion line. She’s been featured on the hit television show America’s Next Top Model.