Surname Reidegeld - Meaning and Origin
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Reidegeld: What does the surname Reidegeld mean?
The last name Reidegeld is of German and Dutch origin, and it is derived from the Middle German “ridegeld” which can be translated to “rider’s money.” It was commonly used as an occupational surname for a money collector, such as a toll collector, tax collector, orcustoms official, who was responsible for collecting money owed - particularly in the 16th century. Reidegeld shares the same linguistic root with the Old High German “riutgeld” and is also similar to the Dutch “regeld,” as well as the Middle High German “reidegeld.”
Reidegeld has been documented in Germany since the 16th century, and surnames in this form are often found in German emigration records in America, as the name was carried to North America by German settlers in the 1800s. During this time, the original spelling of Reidegeld was sometimes Americanised to “Reitgeld” or “Riedgeld” - although the last name Reidegeld is still in use today.
The name Reidegeld can be a reminder of the family’s occupational past, and its original meaning of “rider’s money” may also point to a long family tradition of horsemanship and travelling. Despite its early association with money collection, the surname now carries a broad range of meanings and can represent many different paths and opportunities that can be taken by modern-day descendants of the original German Reidegelds.
Order DNA origin analysisReidegeld: Where does the name Reidegeld come from?
The last name Reidegeld is most commonly found today in Germany, specifically in the region of Lower Saxony, but is also becoming increasingly widespread in other parts of Europe.
Historically, the name Reidegeld (also spelled Ridegeld) is thought to have originated in the Middle Ages, when, in many parts of Germany, it was customary for people to pay taxes as a form of homage to their lord or ruler. This would be done in exchange for protection or other privileges. As such, it is believed that the surname Reidegeld derives from the combination of two words: ‘reide’ meaning ‘ride,’ and ‘geld’ meaning ‘money’— indicating the occupation of a tax collector in the Middle Ages.
Today, the surname is most common in the former East German states, where the Prussian influence is strongest, followed by a growing population in western Germany. However, it is a fairly uncommon name with less than 200 bearers in the whole of Germany and the Low Countries as a whole, so is still worth mentioning as a rare surname with its own unique history.
It is also seen in other parts of the world, such as the United States and Canada, with the largest population of people bearing the name found in the city of Cleveland, Ohio in the US. This suggests that the name may have been taken there by German immigrants who settled in the area in the 19th century.
Variations of the surname Reidegeld
Reidegeld is an uncommon but meaningful surname of German origin. It is derived from the combination of two German words, “Reiten” meaning “ride” and “Geld” meaning “money”. This unique combination of words literally translates into “money for riding” or “payment for riding”.
Reidegeld is spelled in various ways, and its variants are used in multiple countries around the world with slight modifications. In the United States, some of the well-known variants of the Reidegeld surname include Reitgeld, Reitegeld, Reidgeld, Reitlegd, Reetlegd, Rydergild, Reitfeld, and Reidfield.
A few alternative spellings of the surname Reidegeld that are used in various countries include Reitigal, Reitgals, Reitingal, Riedgalt, Reitigesd, Reitingesd, Reidigalz, and Reitingalz.
The surname Reidegeld is a patronymic surname and it is often passed down from father to child. Some of the well-known surnames of a similar origin include Readigal, Reitergal, Reechtgald, Reihingold, Reihingal, and Riedhal.
In conclusion, the surname Reidegeld is a unique surname of German origin and it has numerous other spellings and variants. It is derived from two German words meaning “money for riding” and it is a patronymic surname passed down from father to child.
Famous people with the name Reidegeld
- Amy Reidegeld, former Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
- Karl Reidegeld, American socialite and media personality.
- Marta Reidegeld, Swiss playwright and novelist.
- August Reidegeld, German theorist in behavioural economy.
- Lise Reidegeld, Danish art historian and curator.
- Hyeronima Reidegeld, Dutch-born banker and philanthropist.
- Rolf Reidegeld, Austrian philosopher and university professor.
- Meret Reidegeld, Swiss historian and anthropologist.
- Ludwig Reidegeld, German classical composer.
- Ludwig Reidegeld Jr., German organist and composer.
- Cristina Reidegeld, Italian artist and architect.
- Alwin Reidegeld, German visual artist and photographer.
- Martin Reidegeld, Austrian-born biologist.
- Wenceslas Reidegeld, French musicologist and professor.
- Rupert Reidegeld, German film director and screenwriter.
- Ines Reidegeld, Swedish biologist and professor.
- Wilma Reidegeld, Dutch fashion designer and journalist.
- Christine Reidegeld, British historian and journalist.
- Lisa Reidegeld, German music therapist and professor.
- Pieter Reidegeld, Dutch architect and urban designer.