Surname Rapphold - Meaning and Origin

Rapphold: What does the surname Rapphold mean?

The last name Rapphold is an occupational surname derived from German. The name is a variation of the German word ‘Rappe,’ which translates to ‘groom.’ This indicates that at one time, those with the last name Rapphold worked as grooms, caring for horses and other livestock.

The origin of the name Rapphold can specifically be traced back to the northern region of Germany. As immigrants from this part of Germany settled in the United States, primarily in the Midwest, so did the name. As such, the last name Rapphold has a strong presence in the United States and, to a lesser degree, other countries.

The variant spelling of the name Rapphold, Rhapold, is also sometimes used as a surname in Germany. Historically, this spelling could reference the German word ‘Radel,’ meaning ‘riding-plow,’ implying that some with the surname Rapphold were involved in the profession of plowing fields with horses and other livestock.

Today, the last name Rapphold is most commonly found in the United States and Germany, though it has become part of the family name for those holding it in other countries as well. The family name of Rapphold usually carries strong representation of strength and caring, with origins in German occupations of plowmanship and groomsmanship.

Rapphold: Where does the name Rapphold come from?

The last name Rapphold is primarily found in German-speaking countries—namely, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Over the centuries, some Rappholds have migrated to other parts of Europe—the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, and Poland—or to various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Australia.

In Germany, the last name Rapphold is most common in the southern part of the country—Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and the Saar, with a population of around 3,000 individuals. Reports from Austria indicate the surname is spread throughout the country, though more common in the western region. In Switzerland, the Rapphold last name is primarily centered in the lowland area around Basel, Zurich, and Lake Constance.

In the United States, the largest populations of Rappholds are in California, Texas, Tennessee, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. As for Canada, the largest concentrations of those with the surname are in Ontario and the western provinces.

Today, the Rapphold last name is shared by people across the world. The commonality between them lies in their German heritage, their connection to their ancestral homeland of Central Europe, and their bond to the name Rapphold.

Variations of the surname Rapphold

Rapphold is a German surname, originating from the German noun "Rappe" which means a 'dark horse'. This surname is sometimes also spelled as Rappholt, Raphalt, Rapheld, Raphold, Riefhold, Riefholdt, Riepholt, or even Reifel.

It is believed to have been derived from a nickname which originated from the term 'Rappe', which is a dark brown or black horse that was favoured by medieval knights. The nickname was given to a person who showed qualities which related to bravery or strength. As time passed, the surname was then passed down to the families of that individual.

The origins of this surname are traced back to Germany, particularly eastern Germany, and some of the earliest documented locations where this surname is found include Hessen, Brandenmburg, and Braunschweig. The name is also found in various breeds of horses, such as the North German Heavy Draft, and in German breeds such as the Friesian horse, as well as in various small nearby towns and villages.

Rapphold is also found in parts of other countries where German migration took place, such as the U.S, Canada, Australia, and other European Union countries, and is sometimes spelt differently. The variations of the same surname could also be found depending on the specific dialect of the region of syntax.

Generally, Rapphold as a surname is quite rare, but can still be found in some areas with German ancestry.

Famous people with the name Rapphold

• Dovey Johnson Roundtree: Lawyer, Minister, Judge, Civil Rights Activist
• Doug Rappaport: Actor, Comedian
• Dan Rappoport: Actor, Producer, Director
• Matthias Rapp: TV Host, Moderator
• Merle Rappaport: Author and National Spelling Bee Champion
• Michelle Rappaport: Actress
• Cornelia Rappaport: German Literary Critic and Author
• Patty Rappaport: Radio Presenter
• Jeff Rappaport: Actor
• Leslie Rappaport: Casting Director

Other surnames

RappholtRappholz