Surname Reiche - Meaning and Origin

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Q. Reiche

Reiche: What does the surname Reiche mean?

The last name Reiche is of German origin and is derived from the word "reich", which in English translates to "rich" or "wealthy". It was usually used to describe someone who was rich or had a wealthy stature. However, it could also conceivably be attributed as a nickname, potential irony for someone who was notably poor or frugal. This surname was often found among both Jewish and non-Jewish communities throughout Germany. It's worth noting that meanings of last names can vary based on regional dialects and changes over time, so this should not be taken as a definitive interpretation. Like many surnames, it may have different origins in different regions, and thus may not have the same meaning everywhere.

Reiche: Where does the name Reiche come from?

The surname Reiche is most prominently found in Germany today. The name Reiche is derived from the Middle High German ríche, meaning ‘wealthy’. According to etymologists, this name got its start as a nickname for someone who was considered wealthy, ‘a good provider’ or ‘one with blessed possessions’. It can also be a locative name given to someone living in a rich area.

The German Reiche family spread across the country over the centuries. The highest concentration of the surname Reiche is in the states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, and Saxony. In the United States, the Reiche family became established in Pennsylvania during the 1700s, when 163 German immigrants of the name Reiche arrived in Philadelphia in 1754.

Today, Reiches can still be found in both Germany and the United States. In Germany, modern-day Reiches can trace their roots to the ancient medieval nobility of the country. German nobles of the Middle Ages included families such as the Reichesberger, Reichelsweg, and Reiche-Lohe. In America, the majority of the Reiche family can trace their heritage back to Pennsylvania, with others from Ohio, Indiana, and beyond.

Despite being a fairly common name in both Germany and the United States, the Reiche surname is not found everywhere. However, its prevalence in Germany and in Pennsylvania likely makes it a unique and common name to many.

Variations of the surname Reiche

The surname Reiche, pronounced ˈraɪkə, is of German origin and appears in various spellings and variants, including Reichel, Reich, Reicher, Reichelt, Reiger, Reyche, Reeck, Reiker, Riechert, Richer, and Richter.

Reichel is a shortened form of Reiche, with a double -L at the end. This spelling is mainly found in the Palatinate region of Germany.

Reich is another frequent spelling, found across Europe. It is particularly common in Poland and the Czech Republic, as well as in parts of Germany. Other spelling variations include Riḱ, Reik, Reykh, and Reych.

Reicher is a common diminutive form of the surname, found in Austria and the neighbouring countries. Other similar diminutive forms include Reichers, Reeckers, Reichen, Reichers, and Reicks.

Reichelt is an older, more traditional spelling of the surname found in some East German regions. This is sometimes Anglicised to Rihl or Riel.

Reiger is another spelling variant, associated with the Reiger family, which originated in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Reyche is another variant, found in Lithuania and associated with the Reyche family.

Riechert is a German variant of Reiche, with a double -T at the end. This spelling is more commonly found in parts of Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands.

Richter is a common variant of Reiche, and the most common spelling in German-speaking countries. This spelling is related to the Richter family, which emerged in Thuringia in the 15th century.

Finally, Richer is a less-frequent variant of the surname. This spelling is mainly found in the Swiss cantons of Zürich, Bern and Lucerne.

Famous people with the name Reiche

• Erik Reiche: German classical philosopher and author best known for works such as Theory of Ideas, How We Think, and The World as Will and Representation.
• Albrecht Reiche: German-born Swiss astronomer and mathematician who is best known for his work on Neptune’s orbit.
• Richard Reiche: German author and political theorist credited with various publications, including The Rights of Man and Monarch.
• Erich Reiche: Swiss-born Austrian architect and sculptor who is credited with creating some of the world’s most iconic monuments, including the Arc de Triomphe.
• Eva Reiche: German painter and printmaker notable for works such as The Waves at the Beach, The Orchid, and On the Way to the Market.
• Hans-Jürgen Reiche: German economist and politician who was a member of the Nazi party.
• Walter Reiche: German mathematician and theoretical physicist who worked in the field of relativity that focused genetics and the theory of relativity.
• Robert Reiche: German film director and screen writer famous for films such as All I Have is Love, Love of the Heart, and The Law of the Homeward.
• Reinhardt Reiche: German businessman who served as the CEO of numerous multinational conglomerates, including Thyssen Krupp AG, Sidney Harman Corporation, and Helikon AG.
• Helmut Reiche: Austrian composer and pianist who wrote orchestral works, chamber orchestras,and chamber music.

Other surnames

ReichReichardReichardsReichardtReichartReichartsReichartzReicharzReichelReicheldReicheleReichelmannReicheltReichenReichenbachReichenbacherReichenbächerReichenbecherReicherdReicherdsReicherdtReichertReicherterReichertsReichertzReicherzReichhardReichhardtReichhartReichhelm