Surname Reinards - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Reinards: What does the surname Reinards mean?
The surname Reinards is of German origin. It is thought to have been derived from the given name Rainhard, from the Old German ragin, which means advice, and hard, which means hardy or strong. The name is said to be symbolic of a person with strength and wisdom.
The Reinards family was among the earliest Germans to arrive in the United States in the 1700s in search of academic and religious freedoms. Most likely hailing from the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany, the Reinards can trace their origins as far back as the mid-1800s in Germany.
The Reinards family is well known for their work in the fields of engineering and architecture and are credited with multiple structures such as the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. They have also made contributions to the refining of locomotives, helped to create the Erie Canal, and developed various agricultural and mechanical methods for the American Southwest.
The Reinards name carries with it a spirit of creativity, innovation, and strong moral values. As members of the family, citizens owe their pride in the accomplishments of the Reinards to their ancestors’ bravery and courage in crossing Europe and immigrating to the United States. Their legacy stands today as a symbol of the potential for people worldwide to strive for greatness.
Order DNA origin analysisReinards: Where does the name Reinards come from?
The most common place in the world today for people with the surname Reinards is the United States. Approximately 2,000 individuals in the US share that name. It's most common in Minnesota, where about half of all with the surname reside. California, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Michigan are the next most common states with Reinards.
In Europe, Reinards is particularly common in the Netherlands and Germany. About 750 Reinards in the Netherlands, chiefly in the central provinces, trace their origins to German immigrants who settled in Amsterdam during the 19th century. In Germany, Reinards is mostly concentrated in the border region of the country, in pocket settlements that date back to the 1700s.
The reinards surname is also finding more prevalence in England, where it is especially prominent in Yorkshire. The French language version, Reinards, is also quite common in France and Belgium.
Though the Reinards surname is not particularly identified with any particular ethnicity, many people of Dutch, German, Belgian, and American-German descent embrace the name with pride, cherishing its links to prior generations of their family. Reinards is part of a broader family network, as individuals of the same ancestry often share the same last name, regardless of their direct family connection. Together, they no doubt feel stronger ties to each other and a sense of belonging.
Variations of the surname Reinards
The Reinards surname is of German origin and has a handful of variant spellings, surnames and anglicised versions. Commonly, Reinards is seen spelt as Reiners, Reinards, Reynards, Renard, Rainards and Raynards. Some potential anglicised forms of this surname can be Renards, Reynoldson, Reinoldson, Reynolds, and Reynold.
Reinards itself is derived from the Germanic given name Rainard, which traces back to the Germanic word “*rai-in” meaning counsel or advice, and “hardu” meaning daring and strong. The name was seen as an occupational name for someone skilled in vocal advice in political or religious contexts, or perhaps as a nickname for someone who was particularly brave or wise. Over time, it would have morphed to become Reinards.
In more modern times, the Reinards surname can be found in countries all over the world, both in its original form and variants. The surname particularly flourished in countries where German language was spoken, including England, Germany, and Switzerland. It is still present today in those countries and beyond, and has likely been shared through multiple generations, although the original form of the spelling may have changed over that time.
Famous people with the name Reinards
- Henry Reinards: Famous Lithuanian footballer who has represented his country at a number of international tournaments.
- Christopher Reinards: American actor best known for his role in the ABC comedy series “The Middle”.
- Artur Reinards: Latvian meteorologist and oceanographer who worked at Moscow State University.
- Steven Reinards: Award-winning poet and novelist who was shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize in 1970.
- Jeffrey Reinards: Jazz vocalist from Westchester, NY with a unique and captivating voice.
- Maria Reinards: Soviet and Russian actress who appeared in over 70 films and television shows.
- Trudy Reinards: British periodical editor who founded the feminist magazine Spare Rib in 1970.
- Adolf Reinards: Austro-Hungarian architect of the late 19th century who constructed many iconic buildings.
- Robert Reinards: Lithuanian painter and draftsman whose works are displayed in gallery collections around the world.
- August Reinards: German air force Lieutenant Colonel and Nazi party member who served in World War II.