Surname Reichlin - Meaning and Origin

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A dive into the rich history of the Reichlin family through an iGENEA DNA test unraveled my ancestral heritage, inviting a torrent of emotions. This journey not only revealed unknown connections and extended family roots, but it also awakened a deep sense of pride in my lineage and a sense of belonging in the world.

Y. Reichlin

Reichlin: What does the surname Reichlin mean?

The last name Reichlin is a German name that means "true resident" or "one from a true line." It is derived from the German word "reich" which means "rich," and "lin" which is a signifier for "inhabitant." This last name was likely adopted by German families who were landholders and prosperous, and thus part of the more affluent citizenry. It was intended to signify their prosperity and residence.

This last name was likely derived from early Germanic occupations such as blacksmiths, tanners, silk weavers, merchants, and other professions that would have been successful for families. In medieval times, many people with this last name were courtiers and nobles. Although the root meaning remains the same, this last name has transformed over time to mean different things in different cultures. In some countries, such as the United States, the Reichel surname is thought to be derived from a type of cloth and was typically used by the clergy.

The last name Reichlin has experienced some spellings changes over the years, such as Reichel, Reicheln, Reicher, and Reichert. Despite this and its diverse origins, it remains a sign of privilege and is associated with aristocracy and influential families. In modern times, it serves as a reminder of the family's history and a sense of pride and respect for the name.

Reichlin: Where does the name Reichlin come from?

The last name Reichlin is mainly seen in Germany today; it is not a widely distributed surname. Most people with this surname are descendants of a small number of individuals who lived in the area around the Rhineland in the 16th century. However, in the centuries since then, Reichlin’s have spread to other countries throughout Europe.

In Germany, the Reichlin surname is especially concentrated in the area around neighboring cities of Mannheim and Heidelberg. It is also found throughout the region of Baden-Württemberg, where most of the Reichlin’s still live today.

In the United States, people with the last name of Reichlin can be found in many states, including California, Texas, New York, Florida and Pennsylvania. The highest concentration of Reichlin's are in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and New York City.

In Canada, Reichlin's can be found in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. It is also becoming increasingly common in parts of Australia, particularly in the cities of Sydney and Melbourne.

As the Reichlin surname is not particularly common in any one country, those with the name are typically descendants of the same geographical area, making it likely that they share some common heritage or lineage.

Variations of the surname Reichlin

Reichlin is a German surname and is derived from two separate words—“reich” and “Lint”. “Reich” is a German word meaning “rich” or “wealthy” and “Lint” is a Middle High German word that can mean “line” or “string”. Together, the two words combine to form a name that distinctly represents either wealth, nobility, or both.

The primary variant of this surname is Reischlin, which is the more standard spelling. This surname also has multiple variants, which include Reishlin, Reushlin, Ryschlin, Ryshlin, Reichling, Reichlinger, and Rychling. Both spellings—Reichlin and Reischlin—are found in modern Germany.

Like many German surnames, it is also possible to find variations of the European form of this name in the United States due to immigration. Examples of variations are Rheishlin, Reishman, Reishmann and Rychly.

Reischlin is the most common variant spelling used in the United States, however other spellings exist as well.

Regardless of the variant spelling, all persons with this German surname can be traced back to Central Germany. All forms of this surname originate from the same root word.

Famous people with the name Reichlin

• Ernst Reichlin: A Swiss lawyer, politician and administrator.
• Glenna Reichmann: American auto racing pioneer and land-speed record holder.
• Michael Reichlin: An Austrian sculptor and design artist.
• Andy Reichlin: German professional ice hockey defenceman.
• Harry Reichlin: Former American Major League Baseball pitcher who played with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1926.
• Helene Reichlin-Meldegg: Swiss tennis player.
• Dennis Reichlin: A Lankan political activist and a member of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party
• Detlev Reichlin: Swiss football defender.
• Lucas Reichlin: Swiss international footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder.
• Leonor Reichlin: Mexican actress.
• Josias Reichlin: Austrian volleyball player.
• Chantal Reichlin: Swiss slalom canoeist.
• Leopold Reichlin: Austrian doctor and scientist.
• Rebecca Reichlin: American pop and country singer.
• Akiva Reichlin: American rabbi, juroist, and writer.
• Katarzyna Reichlin: A Polish artistic gymnast.
• Robert Reichlin: Swiss composer and conductor.

Other surnames

Reichl