Surname Reichards - Meaning and Origin
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Reichards: What does the surname Reichards mean?
The surname Reichards is of German origin. It is a variant spelling of Richard. The name Richard derives from the Old German name "Ricard," which is composed of the elements "ric," meaning "ruler" or "power," and "hard," meaning "hardy" or "brave." Thus, the literal meaning of Reichards is "brave ruler" or "powerful leader." Like many European surnames, it was likely adopted as a patronymic surname, originally denoting the son of a man named Richard. Given the time frame in which surnames began to be used in Europe, the initial bearer of this surname was probably a person who embodied the characteristics implied by the name, such as bravery, power, or leadership. Please note that the meanings and origins of surnames can often be complex and multifaceted, with variations due to region, history, and cultural shifts.
Order DNA origin analysisReichards: Where does the name Reichards come from?
The last name Reichards is most commonly found in the United States, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In the United States, the Reichards surname is concentrated in the Northeast, and especially in the mid-Atlantic and New England states. It is also found around the Great Lakes and throughout much of the Mountain West. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the Reichards name is most heavily concentrated in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of southwestern Germany, though it can be found scattered throughout the region. Reichards is also found scattered across other parts of Europe, including moderately sized populations in France, Sweden, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
The origin of the last name Reichards is believed to have come from Germany, where it derived from the personal name Richard. Over time, the name became to known as variations of Reichard, Reicherd, Reichhard, Reichhardt, and Reichards. Given the prevalence of this name in European countries, it was likely brought to the United States by German immigrants who set sailed during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Today, the Reichards surname is still relatively common throughout its strongholds in the US and Europe. Given that it is a very traditional German surname, it is likely that the Reichards name will continue to remain popular for years to come.
Variations of the surname Reichards
The surname Reichards is an anglicized version of the Germanic surname 'Reichardt' or 'Reicherdt', which can also be spelled in other ways, such as Reichert, Reicherts, Reichart, Reichhardt, Reicherd or Reicherds.
The surname is typically derived from the Old High Germanic name 'Rihhard', which means 'powerful ruler' or 'strong-arm'. This is an occupational name for an important and powerful ruler as well as a topographic name for someone who lived near a stretch of land which had been ruled by a powerful individual.
The surname is relatively uncommon today, but can be found in Germany, as well as in the United States. It can also be found in various countries which were heavily influenced by German settlement, such as Argentina, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
In some cases, the surname of Reichards has been altered slightly in order to fit dialects and local customs. For example, in Sweden the name is spelled 'Rehr'. Likewise, in Estonia the surname is rendered as 'Reinholds' or 'Reeholds'.
The Anglicized version of the surname, Reichards, is not in common usage, but can be found in some instances. However, the spelling is more likely to have been derived from the Germanic original.
Overall, Reichards is a variation of the Germanic surname Campbell, which means 'powerful ruler' or 'strong-arm'. Generally, the surname appears in many countries throughout the world in its original spelling, as well as variations to account for culturally specific ways of speaking and writing.
Famous people with the name Reichards
- Emma Reichardt: German-Parisian fashion journalist, creative director and influencer.
- J. Wilbur Reichardt: American physicist, professor and author, best known for his work in particle physics.
- Earl Reichardt: former American professional baseball player.
- Jack Reichardt: a Major League Baseball outfielder who played for Pittsburgh from 1956 to 1960.
- Michael Reichardt: a German physicist and professor at the University of Heidelberg.
- Jeff Reichardt: Canadian ice hockey player who is currently the head coach of the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League.
- William Reichardt: American pianist and composer who has written for various media productions including television shows.
- George Reichardt: German plant collector and botanist.
- Maurice Reichardt: American professor of cell biology and biochemistry at Yale University.
- Arthur Reichardt: German film director and producer, best known for the romantic drama I'm Off Then.