Surname Reks - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Reks: What does the surname Reks mean?
The last name Reks is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "Rike" which means "rule" or "kingdom". It is believed to have first been used as a given name and eventually became a surname. The surname was adopted by several branches of the same family, and has been used in various forms such as Recks, Reick and Reckscheidt.
The name is most common in the US, Germany, and Austria. It was likely adopted by family members who traveled to these countries in search of work and opportunity. It is believed the surname was first concentrated in the areas of Bavaria, Baden, Hesse, and Thuringia. The spelling of the name was likely adapted to best reflect the dialect of the area in which it was used.
Reks is most often seen as an occupational surname, as it likely indicated the original bearer was a ruler or an official with power. Some believe it may have also been used as an abbreviated version of other German surnames, such as Recker or Rexer. Still others suggest it may be of Jewish origin, as many Jews adopted German surnames in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The name Reks carries a sense of power and nobility, and is indicative of the strength, resilience, and perseverance of its original holders.
Order DNA origin analysisReks: Where does the name Reks come from?
The surname Reks is primarily found in Western Europe, especially in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany. The name is a short form of the Germanic name "Ricard," popular in the the Middle Ages. In the Netherlands, it is spelled "Reks," while in Belgium it is spelled "Rex." In France, it may be spelled "Rex" or "Rexe." In Germany, it is spelled "Rexe" or "Reksen."
The name is not particularly common in any of these countries today, but it can still be found in certain areas and on certain records. In the Netherlands, records indicate that the name is actually more common in the southern and central regions, particularly in the province of Limburg. In Belgium, the name is most commonly found in the Liège region, including the cities of Liège and Verviers. In France, records indicate that the name is most common in the Picardy region.
The name is also found in the United States and Canada, where various immigrants from Europe brought it along with other surnames. However, it is still much less common in those countries. In the United Kingdom, records indicate a much smaller presence of the surname "Reks," with it being especially rare in England.
Variations of the surname Reks
The surname Reks can be spelled and pronounced in a variety of ways, including Rek, Reksen, Rekser, Rekson, and Reksman. Variants of this surname include Rexton, Rixon, Rickson, Reckson, Rexman, Rxman, and Raxon.
The root origin of the Reks surname is German. It is derived from the Old German word “Rek” or “Rekh,” which was used for a person who worked as a steward of a royal estate or a commoner who administered the same. This is comparable to the English word “reeve” which has a similar role.
Some of the most common variants of the Reks surname are: Reks, Rek(e)s, Rekker, Reksen, Rekser, Rekson, and Reksman. Other variants of this surname include Rexton, Rixon, Rickson, Reckson, Rexman, Rxman, and Raxon.
The surname Reks is prominently found in countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, and the United States. It has also been found in the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Poland, South Africa, Scotland, and Ireland, among other countries.
In some countries, the surname may have been altered to a more local spelling or pronunciation over the years, so its variations should be kept in mind when tracing the family history.
Famous people with the name Reks
- Jarell Reks: Professional football player
- Joseph Reks: Canadian multi-instrumental musician
- Allyson Reks: American actress and producer
- Tekilah Reks: American rapper and singer
- Brin Reks: Musician and educator
- Greg Reks: Professional motorcross racer
- Julian Reks: Professional surfer
- Hailey Reks: Professional gymnast
- Devin Reks: Professional golfer
- Tanaya Reks: Professional dancer