Surname Reinkens - Meaning and Origin
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Reinkens: What does the surname Reinkens mean?
The last name Reinkens is believed to have originated from the Middle Low German words, 'rein', meaning 'clear' and 'ken' meaning 'jurisdiction'. Together, the two words roughly translate as 'one who is under clear jurisdiction', or 'one who is under well-defined law'. This could infer that someone originally bearing the Reinkens surname was somebody with strong moral character and a sense of justice.
The Reinkens surname is most commonly found in Western Europe and North America. It can also be found in Southeast Asia, Central America, and parts of the Middle East.
The Reinkens name has a prestigious and affluent past. It was a common practice in the Middle Ages for German aristocrats to take on surnames based on their land ownership. This was also known as a noble name, and a coat of arms was sometimes granted to those aristocrats who used these titles.
In modern times, the Reinkens name is still held in high esteem and is still commonly associated with hardworking, entrepreneurial people with many achievements within their professional and personal lives. It is reported that the Reinkens family has left a long-standing tradition of success, and this is something that is still seen today.
Overall, the Reinkens surname is a respected and renowned name with a strong historical background. It is now held mainly by people who possess a sense of justice and a desire to succeed.
Order DNA origin analysisReinkens: Where does the name Reinkens come from?
The last name Reinkens is primarily associated with Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. The surname originated from the Dutch and German words for “king’s crown.” It is believed to have been first adopted as a surname by someone who had been crowned by the local feudal lord during a festival.
The Reinkens surname is quite common in Germany, with over 14,000 people bearing this surname. The majority of individuals with this surname can be found in the Westphalia, where there are over 7,000 individuals with this surname. Additionally, it is quite common in North and East Germany, where there are over 4,500 individuals with this surname.
The Reinkens surname is also quite common in the Netherlands, with over 900 individuals bearing this surname. Most of these individuals can be found in the northern provinces of the Netherlands. Additionally, the surname is quite common in Belgium, where there are over 700 individuals bearing this surname. Most of these individuals can be found in the provinces of Limburg and Flanders.
Today, individuals with the Reinkens surname can be found all over the world, particularly in the countries where the surname originated. Additionally, the prevalence of this surname has continued to grow in the United States. According to the 2020 United States Census, there are over 600 individuals with the Reinkens surname living in the U.S.
Variations of the surname Reinkens
The surname Reinkens generally originates in Germany, and has numerous variants, spellings, and surnames of similar origin.
The most common spelling is Reinkens, although this can also appear spelt as Rainkens or Raijnkens. The female variant of this surname is Reinken or Rainken.
From the Dutch language, the surname Reinkens can also appear spelt as Reijink, Reijinck, Reinck, Reink, Reinkes, Reinke, Reinker, Reineck, Reinek, Reinker, Reinke, and Reinkes. Similarly, in the Frisian language, the surname is found spelt as Reenk and Rinck.
Variants of the name are found originating from both Germany and Belgium, and appear including Rechink, Reinkes, Rienk, and Reineke.
From the Low German language the surname appears as Riencken and Reinken.
Other versions of the name found from the anglicised variant of the name includes Rainkens, Reignkens, Reinking, and Reynkens.
Finally, similar sounding surnames to Reinkens include Reinecke, Reinköster, Reinken, Reichen, Reisch, Reiss, Reimers, Reinhard, and Ringel.
Famous people with the name Reinkens
- Jürgen Reinkens: Former German Defence Minister and European Commissioner for External Relations.
- Ernst Reinkens: a German Roman Catholic priest and peace activist.
- Cecilia Reinkens: German stage and screen actress.
- Friedrich Reinkens: a German theologian and taxonomist.
- Johann Reinkens: a German Protestant minister and professor of Old Testament.
- Tobias Reinkens: a German opera singer.
- Karl Reinkens: a German politician in the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
- Philipp Reinkens: a German classical composer of the 19th century.
- Helmut Reinkens: a German zoologist.
- Konrad Reinkens: a German classical pianist and pedagogue.