Surname Rychel - Meaning and Origin

Rychel: What does the surname Rychel mean?

The last name Rychel is of German origin and is derived from the surname “Riechel”. The meaning of the name is “Little King.” This often applies to people who are ambitious, driven to lead, and determined to reach their goals. It also reflects someone with a regal air who can rule with an iron fist.

The Rychel surname is an occupational name, derived from the Middle High German Reichel, referring to a steward or stewardess. By extension, the name has become associated with a hardworking and diligent individual who is self-reliant and resilient. This tenacity also implies someone who is comfortable taking decisions on their own.

Rychel is also a patronymic name, meaning it is derived from the given name of the father. At times, the surname is spelled Reichel, Riechel, Rychel, Richel, Riche, Rizzel, and Reichelmann, depending on the region. The variations illustrate how adaptable the surname is and the different nuances and meanings that it can convey.

In the modern era, those with the Rychel surname tend to be self-confident, goal-oriented, and determined to succeed. Those with the Rychel surname are often direct in their dealings and unafraid to speak their minds when necessary. They are able to navigate difficult situations and manage resources with ease. Although some may come across as rigid or demanding, many consider those with the Rychel surname to be wise and trustworthy allies.

Rychel: Where does the name Rychel come from?

The last name Rychel is relatively uncommon today. However, it is most commonly found in Eastern Europe, especially in Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, Hungary, and Slovenia. It is also found in France and the Netherlands.

Rychel is an occupational surname, derived from "Rüscheler," which comes from the German word for a person who pleated or ruffled fabric. It is thought to have originated in the middle of the 13th Century. During that time, this type of work was mostly done by women who worked in textile workshops.

Though rare, the Rychel surname can still be found scattered across Europe and the United States. In the United States, it is most commonly seen in the Midwest, especially in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

The Rychel family in the U.S. began in 1845 when John Balzer Rychel, a tailor, immigrated from Alsace, France. Though it is thought the family was first found in Bavaria, Germany. The immigrants from Germany and other European countries likely brought the Rychel name to the United States.

Today, surname databases indicate that only a small number of people use the Rychel surname in the United States. With that being said, it is still possible to find people with the last name Rychel across Eastern Europe, Germany, France, and the United States.

Variations of the surname Rychel

The surname Rychel is a variant spelling of the German surname Rüchel, also spelled Reichel, Riechel, and Rikel. This surname is derived from the Germanic personal name Richil or Richel, composed of the elements ric (“ruler”) and hild (“battle”).

Richel is the German diminutive of the given name Richard, and, like the similar surnames Reich or Riegel, came to be adopted as a surname. Alternate spellings of the surname include Rychl, Riechl, Reichel, Rikel, Richl, Rüchel, Röchel, Rychlik, Riechelmann, Röchelman, and Ryckl.

The surname Rychel may also be of Czech origin, derived from the nickname Rychlý, meaning “quick” or “swift”, which was given to someone who was especially active or speedy. In this case, the surname Rychel is generally found in northeastern Czech regions such as Bohemia or Moravia.

In the United States, the surname Rychel is mostly found among German- Americans in counties such as Milwaukee, Wisconsin;Interestate, Illinois; and Lorraine, Kansas. Outside of Germany and the Czech Republic, it is also prevalent in Austria, Canada, England, France, and the Netherlands.

The most commonly found surname variations of Rychel or Rüchel are Röchel, Rychlik, Riechelmann, Röchelman, and Ryckl. All of these surnames, however, have the same ultimate origin in Germanic personal names such as Richel or Richard.

Famous people with the name Rychel

• Warren Rychel: Canadian former professional ice hockey player, currently works as the general manager of the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League.
• Eric Rychel: American former professional ice hockey player, brother of Warren Rychel.
• Chad Rychel: Canadian former professional ice hockey player, additional brother of Warren Rychel.
• Edmund Rychel: German military pilot in World War II, credited with 16 victories against Soviet Air Force aircraft.
• Bernd Rychel: German former professional racing cyclist who won the 1968 Deutschland Tour.
• Kasper Rychel: Russian professional ice hockey player, currently plays for Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the Kontinental Hockey League.
• Jay Rychel: American former professional bodybuilder, competed in the Arnold Classic Amateur Bodybuilding Competition in the late 1990s.
• Wayne Rychel: American former professional bodybuilder, competed in the Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition in 1984, 1988, and 1992.
• Lillian Rychel: American former fencer, represented the United States in both the 1956 and 1960 Summer Olympic Games.
• Andrew Rychel: Canadian musician, lead singer, and guitarist for the punk rock band These Kids Wear Crowns.

Other surnames

Rychert