Surname Reis - Meaning and Origin
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Exploring Heritage Through iGENEA DNA Test: A Personal Journey into the Meaning of 'Reis'
Unraveling my genetic makeup through the iGENEA DNA test transformed my perception of both my personal identity and heritage. The experience amplified my understanding of my surname, 'Reis,' transitioning it from a mere title to a symbol of ancestry and roots.
U. Reis
read moreReis: What does the surname Reis mean?
Reis is a surname of German, Portuguese, and Jewish (Ashkenazic) origin. In German, "Reis" means "twig" or "branch" and might have been used as a topographic name for someone who lived in an area filled with shrubs or brush. Alternatively, it may have also represented an occupational name for basket weavers who used twigs or branches.
In Portuguese, "Reis" translates to "kings". The usage of this surname could have been indicative of someone who worked in a royal household, or as a nickname for someone who carried themselves with regal poise. It's also customary in Portugal to name children after saints or religious festivals; in this context, Reis could refer to "Dia de Reis" or the Day of Kings, (also known as Epiphany in the Christian calendar).
The Jewish usage of 'Reis' also aligns with its German roots, with its meaning as "twig" or "branch".
Regardless of origin, Reis is a common surname held by many around the globe today, each individual or family potentially having their unique familial interpretation or history attached to it.
Order DNA origin analysisReis: Where does the name Reis come from?
The last name Reis is most common in the Portuguese speaking countries of Southern Europe. Although earliest records of the name originate in Germany, the name is most likely of Latin or Jewish-German origin.
In Portugal, the name Reis is particularly common in the Northern regions particularly in cities such as Lisbon, Aveiro and Porto. It was among the twenty most common surnames in Portugal in 2005 and has been present there since the Middle Ages.
The name is also present in places with large Portuguese diasporas such as Angola, Brazil and the Cape Verde Islands and is increasingly common in the United States and Australia where Portuguese emigrants have settled over the last three decades.
In Africa, particularly in French-speaking countries such as Benin and Ivory Coast, the last name Reis is a result of French colonial influences and its presence has remained to this day. In these countries, the name usually appears in conjunction with the French spelling of the name (i.e. Réis).
In Germany, where the name was first registered in the 13th century, Reis is still an uncommon name and as of 2016 there were only 828 people registered with Reis as their last name.
Thus, the last name Reis is particularly common in the Portuguese diaspora but is also present in French-speaking African countries and more sporadically in Germany, United States and Australia.
Variations of the surname Reis
The surname Reis is a common surname with many variants, spellings, and surnames originating from the same origin. One spelling for Reis is "Reiss". Reiss is the German spelling of the surname, often seen in Germanic countries and in families of Germanic ancestry.
Other variations of the surname Reis include Reisser, Reiser, Raz, Ray, Rayes, and Rayser. Reisser, Reiser, and Rayser are all variations of the same original surname, derived from the German language and used in regions with strong Germanic influence.
The surname Reis can also be found spelled as Rhees, Reyes, Rea, Reeves, Ries, Rhys, Rhese, Rease, Riese, Rhyse, and Reece. All of these variations derive from the same original surname, invented as a way to better identify a family or group of people who had the same name.
Some of the surnames that originate from the Reis surname include Riez, Riis, Reyser, Reiß, Riesz, Rhiess, Riesser, Rheiss, Reissen, Reeser, Reichs, and Reise. These surnames are all related to the original Reis surname and are variations of the same name found in different regions and international family lines.
Famous people with the name Reis
- Robert Reis: a German-born American playwright and screenwriter, best known for writing the French comedy film Home Sweet Home.
- Fabio Reis: former Brazilian footballer who played for several clubs, including Atletico Goianiense and Jubilo Iwata.
- Dick Reis: American retired professional golfer, 6 time PGA Tour winner and and 8-time Champions Tour winner.
- Luciana Reis: Brazilian actress, best known for her roles in films such as Adrift and War.
- David Reis: a California based film & TV writer, producer, and director, notable for his works in shows such as Money Heist.
- Marcus Reis: Brazilian supreme court judge and former attorney general, who was the prosecutor in Rio de Janeiro's anti corruption case.
- Liz Reis: a comedy actress and YouTube star, best known for her show "Everyday Creative".
- Tony Reis: Brazilian politician and member of Supreme Court, who was the justice representative in Rio de Janeiro.
- Ivanka Reis: Brazilian singer, best known for her hit song "Levantar-me" and for being featured in The Voice Brazil in 2014.
- Don Reis: American theatre and television actor, best known for his roles in shows such as Blossom and The Bold and the Beautiful.