Surname Richtscheid - Meaning and Origin

Richtscheid: What does the surname Richtscheid mean?

The last name Richtscheid is a German name of locational origin. It is derived from the word "richtschied," which comes from the Old High German verb "richten," meaning "to set right" or "to align." The name refers to a person from the location of Richtscheid, which is an area near Schmallenberg in the Sauerland region of North Rhine–Westphalia, Germany.

The literal meaning of Richtscheid is "straighten/adjust", which is likely a reference to the location being a crossing point of various roads leading from different parts of Sauerland and the nearby cities. Known as "Richtsched" or "Richtscheit" in the Middle Ages, the village was mentioned in 1285 as an area for a forest hunt. In the subsequent centuries, several farms and houses were created in the area and have been passed down through generations of the Richtscheid family.

The current spelling of the name dates back to the 16th century when more standardized forms of German names first started to be used. The name appears to have been widely used in the surrounding region during this time, suggesting a long tradition of people living in and having familial ties to Richtscheid.

Today, Richtscheid is commonly used as both a given name and a surname, and is shared by people all over the world. It remains a reminder of the longtime presence of the Richtscheid family in the Sauerland region of Germany.

Richtscheid: Where does the name Richtscheid come from?

The last name Richtscheid is most commonly found in Germany and other German-speaking countries in Europe. There has also been evidence of it appearing in North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

In German, "Richtscheid" is from the Middle High German word "Rïhtshêide," which means 'paving stone.' This may be where the name originated. It is also possible that the name started as a nickname for someone who was an expert stonemason, a goal-maker, or someone who laid tracks in the sense of ‘guiding' someone.

The Richtscheids in Germany arrived with a family history full of engineering expertise and innovation. Gustav Richtscheid created entire lines of machinery useful to multiple industries, ranging from sawmill construction to printing and publishing. Others in the family contributed to the invention of the first conveyor belt and the development of the first international fax machine.

Today, Richtscheids are found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and other Central European countries. In addition, there have been Richtscheids who settled in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. There is also evidence of the Richtscheids in Spain, France, and Belgium.

It is estimated that nearly 15,000 Richtscheids are living all around the world, keeping the name alive for centuries.

Variations of the surname Richtscheid

The surname Richtscheid is a German name, and it has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, such as Richtsteig, Richtsteiger, Richtsteisch, Richtstieg, Richtstieger, Richtstädter, Richtsteigel, Richtczag, Richtczeig, Richtczak and Richtxag.

The surname Richtscheid likely had its origin in the region of Central Germany. It is derived from the old German words “ric” meaning “ruler” or “law” and “steig” meaning “hill” or “mountain”. This is why there are several spellings of the last name that include these words, such as Richtsteig and Richtstieg.

The origin of the surname Richtscheid is also linked to the Middle Ages, when the German nobility created several coats of arms, and some families began adopting them. The Richtscheid coat of arms was a blue shield with a white crescent moon and three silver stars. This shield is usually assumed to have meant protection, especially against evil.

The name Richtscheid is found quite often in historical documents from its region of origin. In some cases, this surname has been known to vary in its spelling. It has also been used interchangeably with some of the other spellings listed above.

Overall, the surname Richtscheid has variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, particularly in German. Its origin is likely linked to the Middle Ages, when the German nobility created several coats of arms. Today the name can be seen in numerous documents from its region of origin and has some variants in spelling as well as a few other surnames of the same origin.

Famous people with the name Richtscheid

• René Richtscheid (German author, vice president of the World Press Freedom Committee, and Free Press Campaigner)
• Marcel Richtscheid (German politician and Member of the European Parliament)
• Andreas Richtscheid (German podium diver)
• Markus Richtscheid (German swimmer)
• Robert Richtscheid (German classical archaeologist)
• Helmut Richtscheid (German artist and sculptor)
• Alfred Frederick Richtscheid (German lawyer and politician)
• Ernst Richtscheid (German music educator)
• Jutta Richtscheid (German dressage rider)
• Gustav Richtscheid (German botanist)

Other surnames

Richtscheidt