Surname Reifels - Meaning and Origin
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Reifels: What does the surname Reifels mean?
The surname Reifels is of German origin, likely originating in the Rhineland region of Germany. The name is derived from the German word “Rifele,” which is a dialect variation of “Rive,” meaning “ridge.” It is believed that the original bearer of the name was someone who lived on or near a ridge.
The surname Reifels was likely an occupational name for an individual whose job was to construct ridges or hilltops. This may have been a job in agriculture or land-working. The name may also have been used to describe someone who was from a particular geographical location that was known for its ridge or hilly terrain.
The name Reifel is unusual in that it has many orthographic variants, including Reiffel, Riefel, Reifls, and others. It is associated with a conglomeration of families that descended from different branches of the same ancestral family. These families were mostly concentrated near the cities of Aachen and Cologne, but can now be found throughout the world.
Reifels is a part of a larger family tradition that is rooted in German heritage and values. This is a name that is associated with strength and dedication, with a long history of hard work and perseverance. The name is also a reminder of the strong German identity and the diverse backgrounds and stories from which it has come.
Order DNA origin analysisReifels: Where does the name Reifels come from?
The surname Reifels is most commonly found in Germany and the German-speaking countries of Europe. The name is derived from a Germanic personal name, Reifel, and the meaning of the name is “refugee” or “refuge from danger”.
In the United States, the last name Reifels is most commonly found among the descendants of German immigrants from Alsace-Lorraine. It can also be found among the families descended from the German Mennonites who migrated to Pennsylvania in the eighteenth century. Smaller populations of Reifels are also found in Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Today, large concentrations of the name Reifels can be found in the states of Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois, as well as throughout the Midwest region of the United States. There is also a significant population of Reifels in the United Kingdom, particularly in the counties of Berkshire, Essex, and Yorkshire.
The surname Reifels has survived centuries of migrations and wars, and helped to shape the culture and identity of many German-speaking communities. It is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its bearers that the Reifels surname has endured and thrived.
Variations of the surname Reifels
The surname Reifels is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the German personal name Heimreich, which literally means “home (heim) rule (reich).” This surname was likely given to someone who was in a position of authority and power in a particular area or district. Over time, the name evolved and fragmented into several other spellings and variants.
Variants of the surname Reifels include Rieffel, Rieffels, Riefel, Rievel, Rivle, Ryefel, Ryefels, Ryfel, and Ryfels. Variations of the name that have arisen in other countries are Reifel, Ræfel, Räfels, and Rayfel.
Alternative spellings and additional variants of the surname Reifels include Reifl, Reifle, Reifla, Reichle, Réfel, Refel, Refeles, and Reyfles. It can also be seen as an Anglicized version of the surname, such as Reifel, Refele, Reifell, and Rifel.
Some variations of this surname may also be associated with other surnames. For instance, Rayfel may be confused with Reinfeld, Rewald, or Reynold; Réfel with Reef, Rief, or Reiff; and Ryfels with Riffles.
As the surname Reifels evolved over time, so did the spelling of the surname. For example, the French spelling, Ræfel, likely arose with the Saintonge family. The spelling Rayfel is typically seen in East Prussia (now part of Poland). Other surnames of similar origin include the Czech Rüfel, the Dutch Reijfels, and the Struben family of Prussia and Germany.
Famous people with the name Reifels
- Allen Reifels: American professional golfer
- Jack Reifel: former professional American football player
- Andy Reifels: Australian radio presenter
- Antonina Reifels: Austrian athlete
- Paul Reifels: American racecar driver
- George Reifels: bass guitar player in the rock band No Knife
- Berthold Reifels: German brewer and founder of the brewery Reifels
- Laura Reifels: American writer
- Katherine Reifels: American artistic skater
- Lou Reifels: American Major League baseball player
- Chris Reifels: American bass guitarist
- Lawrence Reifels: German-born architect
- Jonathan Reifels: British composer
- Carolyn Reifels: former professional American basketball player
- Max Reifels: German Olympic bobsledder
- Gisela Reifels: German journalist and novelist
- Camilla Reifel: German photographer
- Anna Reifels: Belgian actress
- Richard Reifels: American cinematographer
- William Reifels: Australian professional golfer