Surname Rekers - Meaning and Origin
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Rekers: What does the surname Rekers mean?
The last name Rekers is believed to be of German origin, and it is thought to be an occupational name derived from a rekef, which is an Old German word meaning a man who maintains marshes, ditches, or other types of wetlands. This type of work would often require a skilled laborer, and it is thought that Rekers is a variant form of this profession.
The earliest mention of the name is found in various documents from the 14th to 16th centuries, where a form of the name is found recorded as being used as a surname for a member of a German family. The earliest examples of the name Rekers are found in records of German towns, where the name is mentioned in the documents of market towns, church records, and other records related to the history of the town.
It is believed that the Rekers name was most likely used by those German families who worked as laborers in wetlands, marshes, and other moist areas. It is likely that the name was also used by families who worked in other agricultural as well as domestic and professional capacities, as well as in various other roles.
The Rekers name continues to be used by families in Germany, the Netherlands, and in the nearby areas, and it is believed that it was also used by immigrants to the USA during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The commonly found variations of the name are Reckers, Rekers, and Rechers.
Order DNA origin analysisRekers: Where does the name Rekers come from?
The last name Rekers is most common in the Netherlands (or Holland) where it originated. According to records, the earliest known use of Rekers dates back to at least 1387, and at that time, it referred to someone from a rural village.
Today, those with the last name Rekers are found all over the Netherlands, particularly in the provinces of North Holland, South Holland, and Limburg. It isn't as common elsewhere, but members of the Rekers family can be found in other countries, including Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, South Africa, and even the United States.
In the U.S., Rekers is most commonly associated with the Dutch immigrants who came to America during the 19th century. During this period, a significant number of Dutch immigrants began to settle in urban areas, especially in the Midwest, such as Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minnesota. Consequently, Rekers is most commonly found in these states today.
Elsewhere, those with the Rekers name are relatively few and far between. Many have managed to maintain and grow the family name, but the overall population is still quite low. Despite this, those with the last name Rekers continue to be proud of their heritage and have kept their surnames alive.
Variations of the surname Rekers
The surname Rekers is believed to have started in the Netherlands, and while the precise origin of its development remains unknown, there are variant spellings and variants in other languages. The most common spelling in the Netherlands and Germany is Rekers, while in the United States, the most common spelling is Recker. The variant spelling reckers is also occasionally seen in the United States, in addition to the possession of a double-s in records.
Variant spellings of the surname Rekers include Recker, Reckers, Recke, Reck, Reekers, Reekert, Rekert, Rekkert, Rieke, Riekert, Rikkert, Righ, Rig, and Reykert. These all seem to have some ancient connection and a shared language of origin.
Surnames that are also believed to be of the same origin as Rekers include Reckers, Reke, Reek, Rekker, Rekelaar, Rekker, Rekkink, Rieklaar, Riemker, Rikkers, Righ, Rig, and Reykom. These surnames are mostly found in Holland, and share commonality in their surname origin with Rekers.
Rekers is an unusual surname, and variants are even more unique and noteworthy. Its continued popularity and presence throughout Europe and the United States, however, serve as strong testimony to its ancient and well-rooted past.
Famous people with the name Rekers
- Dr. George Rekers: renowned therapist, Professor Emeritus, co-founder of the Family Research Council
- Dr. Keith Rekers: psychologist and co-founder of the Family Research Council
- Dr. Robert Rekers: theologian, author, and co-founder of the Family Research Council
- Lee Rekers: child actor and 1980s teen star
- Brigitte Rekers: Dutch model
- Richard Rekers: former Senior Fellow of the Family Research Council
- Cor Rekers: Dutch soccer coach
- Bill Rekers: former professional basketball player
- Ted Rekers: former professional baseball player
- Mathias Rekers: German athlete and actor