Surname Reinholdt - Meaning and Origin
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Reinholdt: What does the surname Reinholdt mean?
The last name Reinholdt is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German elements "ragin," meaning "counsel," and "hold," meaning "brave, strong." It is found most often in Northern Germany and the Low Countries.
The Reinholdt surname generally dates back to the 12th century, when it initially appeared as a personal name. It is thought to have derived from the Old German equivalent of ‘Reinhold’ or ‘Reinhardt’. The Reinholdt family most likely originated in the Lower Rhineland in what is today part of Germany or in the former Germanic regions of Austria and Hungary.
The Reinholdt family is best known as military commanders, especially during the German imperial period. They served as field marshals, officers, and alternative generals throughout Europe. With Kaiser Wilhelm II's increasing control of the Prussia military, the name rose to prominence during the 19th century.
More recently, the Reinholdt surname has served as a reminder of Germany’s long and turbulent history. While many families with this surname remain in Germany, others have emigrated to the United States, Canada, and Australia, among other countries.
Today, the Reinholdt last name stands for a long and turbulent history, often associated with strength, courage, and military leadership. Its legacy is deeply rooted in European culture, its scorn in the face of danger, and its love of country and duty.
Order DNA origin analysisReinholdt: Where does the name Reinholdt come from?
The Reinholdt surname originated in Germany and is primarily found in northern Europe. It is particularly common in Denmark where it ranks in the top 100 most common surnames in the country. It is also found in Germany, Norway, and Sweden, though to a lesser extent. Reinholdt is uncommon in countries outside of northern Europe and is rarely found in the United States. In the US, it is most frequently found in the states of California and Washington, likely due to the large number of German immigrants who settled in those states in the 19th and 20th centuries. Reinholdt is found in smaller numbers in states like Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and New York.
The reinholdt surname arose from the given name Reinhold, derived from the Germanic elements “ragan,” meaning counsel, and “walt,” meaning rule. Thus, Reinhold implies one who has wise counsel and rules well. Today, the Reinholdt surname is used as both a first and last name throughout northern Europe, especially Denmark. In the United States, it is typically only used as a last name and carries forward the symbolism of wise counsel and ruling well.
Variations of the surname Reinholdt
The surname Reinholdt is a Germanic name which originated from 'Raginhold' and refers to a person with a lot of counsel or advice. It is also sometimes spelled as Reinderhold, Reinholt, Reinholts and Reinhold. It is a fairly common surname throughout Europe, particularly in Germany, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Poland.
The surname Reinholdt is also a patronymic, derived from the given name Reinhold, which is in turn derived from either Raginhold or Reginhold, both thought to mean 'Counsel Power'. The given name Reinhold is also found in other forms such as Reinholdt, Reinald, Reinhold, Reinholds, Reinaldo, Rainhold and Reinholt.
Variants and other surnames derived from the given name Reinhold include Reinholtz, Reininger, Reginaldus, Reinold, Reindl, Reinholdt, Reinoldt, Rainholdt, Rainhold, Renold, Reynold, Renholdt, Reinhardt, Reinaud, Reynoldson, Renolds and Rhinehart.
The name has spread into the English-speaking world in many forms, from Reineld to Reynoldson. It is also sometimes found anglicised as Reinhold, Reynhold, Reinholt, Reinholtz or Ranholt.
These variant spellings and surnames reflect the various language versions of, and influences upon, the original Germanic name. For example, Reinholdt could be anglicised to Reinholtz in English but Reinoldt in Dutch, Reginaldus in Latin, and Reinaldo in Spanish. The varioust spellings and surnames of the same origin also reflect the movements of people within and around Europe over time.
Famous people with the name Reinholdt
- Juergen Reinholdt: German Olympic bronze medalist in shooting in 1992.
- Lise Reinholdt: Danish teenage singer best known for appearing on the Danish version of The Voice.
- Rebecca Reinholdt: Canadian actress, best known for her roles in ‘Dear White People’ and ‘Workin’ Moms’.
- Karl Reinholdt: Danish author best known for his historical fiction and short story collections.
- William Reinholdt: American musician known for co-founding the rock band ‘Foreigner’.
- Scott Reinholdt: American entrepreneur and inventor who earned fame for developing a mobile medical device that saved lives.
- Michel Reinholdt: French professional basketball player who competed in the French Pro A and EuroCup leagues.
- Charles Reinholdt: Swedish actor, starred in various stage plays and short films, as well as made appearances in commercials.
- Hans Reinholdt: Norwegian actor, starred in stage and film productions throughout Scandinavia.
- Elin Reinholdt: Danish model, best known for her work in high-end fashion magazines.