Surname Reifardt - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Reifardt: What does the surname Reifardt mean?
The last name Reifardt is a German surname that can be traced back to northern Germany and parts of the Netherlands. It likely originated before the 16th century. Though many alternate forms of the surname exist, such as Reifatt, the spelling “Reifardt” is the most common.
The meaning of the name has no confirmed etymological origin. The German website Etymologie-Name.de suggests that the name comes from the Middle High German words “riwaer” and “rat,” combined to form “riwaerdt” meaning “wise ruler.” Another interpretation suggests that “reif” means “brave” or “fierce,” and the German “hart” (“hard”) was added for emphasis.
Since the spellings of surnames often changed with time and migration, it is difficult to determine the exact origin of the name Reifardt. It is possible that the name was derived from an occupational title, such as “redefer,” an Old High German keyword used in the Middle Ages to refer to a “hunter.” The name may also have emerged from specific towns or villages, such as the area today called Reinhardt in the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg.
Given its various interpretations and spellings, the ultimate origin of the last name Reifardt remains difficult to identify with certainty. Despite this, the name has achieved a certain level of popularity due to its association with successful individuals, such as German football manager Christian Reifardt.
Order DNA origin analysisReifardt: Where does the name Reifardt come from?
The last name Reifardt is most commonly found in the German-speaking countries of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, as well as in the Czech Republic and Poland.
In Germany it is particularly common in the north, especially in Lower Saxony, where it is one of the 100 most common surnames. It is also particularly common in the region of Bremen, and is found to a lesser extent in each of the 16 states of Germany.
In Switzerland, it is part of the 57 most common surnames in the German-speaking part of the country, and is also found in the French-speaking part.
In Austria it is one of the 50 most common surnames in the country.
In Poland, Reifardt is the 13th most common surname in the country.
In the Czech Republic, it is the 38th most common surname in the country. A large number of people with this last name live in the town of Malešice near the capital of Prague.
All told, there are an estimated 206,000 people in the modern world who bear the name Reifardt, which makes it one of the more common surnames in the German-speaking world.
Variations of the surname Reifardt
The surname Reifardt is derived from the Old High German ‘ Reichhard’, meaning ‘ bold ruler’. This surname has two main variants: Reichardt and Reifardt.
Reifardt is the most common variant of the surname but it is also spelled in a variety of ways as well. Examples of the variations include: Reiffard, Reiffardt, Reiffhard, Reiffhardt, Riffard, Riffardt, Riffhard, Riffhardt, and Ryfhard.
Other surnames of the same origin include: Reich, Reichard, Reichert, Reichherdt, Reichelt, Reichel, Reidenbach, Reidelbach, Reifel, Reiger, Reighard, Reihard, and Reyhard.
All of these variants of Reifardt originate from the same root name, making them all part of the same lineage. Many of these surnames have spread across the world and can be found in countries like the United States, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. They are also common in parts of South America, as many of the immigrants to those countries were of German origin.
Reifardt is a unique surname throughout the world, but it’s variants indicate an even more widespread history which can be explored through further genealogical research.
Famous people with the name Reifardt
- Richard Reiffardt: German swimmer and five-time Olympic medalist.
- Robert Reiffardt: German sculptor and painter, known for his works in ceramics.
- Erwin Reiffardt: German soldier and recipient of the Iron Cross.
- Andrew Reiffardt: AFL and former VFL footballer.
- Ashley Reiffardt: Australian sculptor and pottery maker.
- David Reiffardt: British financial manager and business advisor.
- Micky Reiffardt: retired La Liga goalkeeper, playing for FC Barcelona.
- Mark Reiffardt: American screenwriter and film producer.
- Eva Reiffardt: German cross-country skier.
- Martin Reiffardt: German composer and pianist.