Surname Reinhard - Meaning and Origin

An Enlightening Ancestral Journey with the iGENEA DNA Test: Discovering the Roots of Reinhard

Embark on a journey with me as I navigate my way through my ancestral roots via the iGENEA DNA test. The experience revealed fascinating insights about my German surname 'Reinhard' and connected me with individuals from around the globe bearing the same surname.

A. Reinhard

Reinhard: What does the surname Reinhard mean?

The surname Reinhard is of German origin and is derived from two Old German words, "ragin" which means 'counsel' and "hardu" which means 'hardy or brave'. Thus, the combined meaning of Reinhard is 'brave counselor' or 'strong counselor'. This last name can also be interpreted as 'strong in counsel', reflecting a person who is wise, courageous, and reliable in giving advice or making important decisions. This kind of surname was often given based on a person's characteristics or qualities, highlighting the traits they were most admired for in their community. It's also possible that it may have been used as a first name before becoming a surname. As with most surnames, geography can play a role in its distribution, and Reinhard is most commonly found in Germany and in countries with significant German immigration.

Reinhard: Where does the name Reinhard come from?

The last name Reinhard is a common Germanic name. It is most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland today. It is also common in Jewish communities throughout Europe, particularly those with Ashkenazi heritage.

In the United States, the last name Reinhard is found primarily in the Central states. It is not particularly common in the east or southeast of the country, although there are some individuals with the last name living in those regions.

Due to immigration, the last name Reinhard can be found throughout the world in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, and Canada.

In the past, the name was popular among nobility in Germany, stemming from the knightly family of Reinhard. The name translates to "hard rulers" and, in some cases, is thought to have been the progenitor of the ruling family of the Holy Roman Empire.

The last name Reinhard is derived from old Germanic words meaning "firm determination," which is reflected in the individuals who have this last name. This is evidenced by the number of pioneering scientists, composers, and other innovators that had the last name Reinhard. Some of the more notable Reinhards include Karl Reinhard, a nation builder beginning in the 19th century, and Georges Reinhard, an influential French composer.

Variations of the surname Reinhard

The surname Reinhard is of German, Polish and Jewish origin. It is derived from the given name John, with its variants being Johann and Johannes. The spelling variations of the surname Reinhard include Reinhardt, Reinhart, Reinhard, Reinehrt, Renard and Reinarts.

In German, Reinhard is generally a patronymic surname meaning ‘son of John’, while the Polish equivalent is Rejnhard meaning ‘of John’. In Jewish culture, Reinhard is a variant of the Yiddish personal name Khineh which is derived from John.

Variant spellings of the surname Reinhard are Reinaud, Raymond, Reynaud, Reinemann, Reinartz, Reinold, Reinhold, Reynold, Raynaud, Reinwein, Raynold, Rayno, Rayner, Raynard, Rainard and Reinders. Variations of the surname Reinhard in various other languages include Reinhoven in Dutch, Raynaud in French, Reinaud in Spanish, Rynard in Afrikaans, Reinard in Welsh and Rheinhard in German.

Common surnames derived from Reinhard include Renner, Redner, Hayden, Reninger, Reininger, Reiniger and Reinken. This surname can also be encountered in various combinations such as Reingard, Reinholden, Reinholtz, Reindersen, Reinecker and Reinheimer.

Famous people with the name Reinhard

• Carl Reinhard- an American landscape and figure painter whose work was part of the Hudson River School and National Academy of Design.
• Edward Reinhard- an American painter who is known for impressionist landscapes and other outdoor scenes.
• Erwin Reinhard- a German dramatist and opera librettist who wrote numerous operas and other works.
• Johannes Reinhard- a German Protestant theologian who was a co-author of theBaroque hymnbook.
• Johann Ludwig Reinhard- an 18th century German composer, conductor, and teacher.
• Johannes Friedrich Reinhard- a German academic and archaeologist in the late 19th century.
• Johann Philipp Reinhard- a German theologian and historian in the 18th century.
• Johann Wilhelm Reinhard- a German performer and composer in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
• Kurt Reinhard- a German entomologist, paleontologist, and geologist in the mid-20th century.
• Margaret Reinhard- an American sculptor from the early 20th century who was known for her three-dimensional works.
• Max Reinhard- a 20th century Austrian-born film director who directed classics like The Miracle of Morgan's Creek.
• Wilhelm Friedrich Reinhard- a German academic and literary scholar who was active in the late 19th century.

Other surnames

ReinhalterReinhardsReinhardtReinhardtsReinhardtzReinhardusReinhartReinharthReinhartzReinharz