Surname Reinfrank - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Reinfrank: What does the surname Reinfrank mean?
The surname Reinfrank is a German name derived from a combination of two elements: "rein," meaning "pure" or "clean," and "frank," meaning either "free" or "a Frankish person." It likely originated in a time when the Franks were a powerful Germanic tribe, and the name was given to those who were free or of Frankish descent.
The surname Reinfrank appears to have been most common in the German region of Bavaria, but it is also found in other parts of Europe, particularly in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. In the United States, it is found mainly in Michigan and the Midwestern states.
The meaning of the Reinfrank name is significant, as it is an indication of the strong Germanic heritage of its bearers, and it is likely that this heritage has shaped the character of the name and its bearer. It is likely that those bearing the name of Reinfrank are proud and independent, and that they value freedom, honour, and loyalty.
Order DNA origin analysisReinfrank: Where does the name Reinfrank come from?
The last name Reinfrank is primarily of German origin and is most commonly found today in German-speaking countries, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also commonly found in the United States.
Reinfrank is derived from the Middle High German words "rein" meaning "pure," and "frank" meaning "free." As a result, scholars believe the name was originally held by "free people of pure descent," suggesting it may have been taken on during a certain period of time to signify a particular social status.
The first recorded use of the name Reinfrank was in 1479 when one Johannes Reinfrank was listed as a merchant in Lauf an der Pegnitz, Bavaria. It is believed the name was brought to the US with German immigrants, many of whom arrived between the 17th and 19th centuries.
Today, the last name Reinfrank is still used by members of the family throughout German-speaking Europe, as well as in the United States. Populations are highest in Texas, California, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Illinois, and New York. In the US alone, there are over 60,000 individuals with the last name Reinfrank, making it a fairly common name.
Variations of the surname Reinfrank
The surname Reinfrank is a German-language occupational name for a 'king's peacekeeper' or a marshal. In its original spelling, the surname is 'Reinfrank' which is quite unique in terms of spelling. However, the surname has other variants and spellings, such as 'Reinfranck', 'Reinfrant', 'Reinfrants', 'Reifrank' and 'Reiffrank' which are all used interchangeably in Germany. A few other variations of the name include 'Rein Franks', 'Raynefrank' and 'Rainfrank'.
The similar-sounding surnames of the same origin include 'Reinecke', 'Reinholtz', 'Reinke', 'Reinhart' and 'Rheinfrank'. All of these surnames are derived from the German words '(der) Rein' which stands for 'pure' or 'king's peacekeeper' and '(der) Franke' which is an old German term for 'freedman' or 'marshal'. The surname can also appear with the form of '(von) Rheinfeld', such as 'von Reinfeld' or 'von Rheinfrank'.
Over time, the spellings of the surname have evolved, but the origin remains the same. Today, the Reinfrank surname can be found scattered across many European countries as well as in other parts of the world.
Famous people with the name Reinfrank
- Edward Reinfrank: Edward Reinfrank is best known for the invention of an air ejector aspirator for removing smoke, gas, and dust from mines, which earned him a U.S. patent in 1877.
- Kathleen Reinfrank: Kathleen Reinfrank is a German artist and creative director. She is well known for her unique paintings and she has been commissioned to create artworks for both public and private art collections in Europe and the United States.
- David Reinfrank: David Reinfrank is an American former professional basketball player and was the first to sign with the newly formed American Basketball Association in 1967.
- Felix Reinfrank: Felix Reinfrank was a German organist and composer who wrote more than forty church cantatas and several religious masses.
- Robert Reinfrank: Robert Reinfrank is an American businessman and CEO of Buffalo Wild Wings.
- Marianne Reinfrank: Marianne Reinfrank is an American poet and educator. She is well known for her award-winning poetry collections and for her work as a teacher and mentor.
- Stefan Reinfrank: Stefan Reinfrank is a German contemporary artist and sculptor who has worked in a variety of media including wood, steel, bronze, and copper.
- Mary Reinfrank: Mary Reinfrank is an American architect and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She is best known for designing several highly acclaimed buildings throughout the United States.
- Olga Reinfrank: Olga Reinfrank was a renowned Polish-American dancer and choreographer who was a virtuoso vaudeville entertainer.
- Paul Reinfrank: Paul Reinfrank is a prominent Swiss architect and designer specializing in modern, sustainable buildings who has won several international awards.
Other surnames
Comments or additions to the name "Reinfrank"
02.07.2024
There is also R. Rudolph Reinfrank, a prominent American business man b. 1955- present. Google had lots of information on him.