Surname Reinike - Meaning and Origin
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Reinike: What does the surname Reinike mean?
The last name Reinike is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "reinike," which means little ruler. This name is believed to have originally been used as a nickname for someone with a strong personality or an aristocratic air.
The earliest known record of the surname dates all the way back to 1350, when a man named Siutten Reinke was a witness in a trial in Coburg. It is possible the name also had Jewish roots. In the region of Bohemia, for example, Jewesgelehrte Reinike was a scholar in the 16th century.
The name may have been derived from the title "Reichnick," or "ruler of the land," and as such could have been used as a sign of recognition among the aristocracy. It might also have been derived from the German word “reini,” meaning clean or pure.
No matter where the name originated from, the name likely served as a representation of strength, power, and nobility. It is a unique name and can give an overall feeling of prestige and status.
Order DNA origin analysisReinike: Where does the name Reinike come from?
The last name Reinike is a German surname, derived from the personal name Reinhard. It is more commonly found in the German-speaking regions of Europe today, mainly in Germany and Austria but also in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. In Germany, the surname is found mainly in the states of Saxony, Thuringia, and Bavaria, which were formerly part of the Germanic Holy Roman Empire. In Austria, it is found mainly in the state of Carinthia but is also present in some of its neighbouring states. The states of Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia are also known to have some Reinike surnames.
The number of people with the surname Reinike in Germany was estimated to be about 10,000 in 2019, while in Austria the number is around 1,000. Outside of Europe, the surname is present mainly in Australia and the United States, where the last name Reinike was also listed in the 1990 census.
People with the surname Reinike tend to be predominantly Roman Catholic and Lutheran, following the predominant religious breakdown in the German and Austrian regions where they are most concentrated. The name most likely originates from the German personal name Reinhard, which was mainly used during the mid-to-late Middle Ages and meant “bold, brave, or vigorous”.
Variations of the surname Reinike
The surname Reinike has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Possible spellings of the name Reinike include Reinicke, Reinecke, Reineke, Reinke, Renicke, and Rienecke. These variants have arisen over the centuries due to the somewhat inexact nature of spelling and the evolution of language.
The variants Renicke and Reinicke are probably most closely related to each other, as they are both derived from the Old German language. Their spelling would have been very similar to the modern spelling of Reinike, but could have had slight differences due to regional dialects. The Old German pronunciation of the name was most likely similar to Ray-nick-ah.
The spelling Reinecke, Reineke, and Reinke originate from the Middle High German language, with the vowel being pronounced as a long “e” instead of a short “i.” It is likely that these variants are also connected to Reinicke and Renicke, although some sources suggest that Reinicke and Renicke may have their own distinct origins.
The surname Rienecke has its origins in the Low German language, with the same vowel change as Reinecke, Reineke, and Reinke. This variant is believed to have slightly different origins to the other spellings of the name and is very common in northern Germany and especially in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg.
There are many surnames related to Reinike, but these are the most common. Other spellings or variations of the name may exist in different countries or cultures around the world.
Famous people with the name Reinike
- John Reinike: physicist and astronomer who was the first American to build a reflecting telescope.
- Reiner Reinike: German actor and director known for his work in film and television.
- Bob Reinike: former American football player in the National Football League (NFL).
- Werner Reinike: German footballer who played for the German national team in the 1952 Summer Olympics.
- George Reinike: American cinematographer and television director.
- Barbara Reinike: American businesswoman and philanthropist who co-founded the Aspen Music Festival and School.
- Steve Reinike: American film and television producer, who has won three Emmy Awards.
- Mary Reinike: American painter and photographer who won numerous awards.
- Winifred Reinike: American textile artist, who is known for her unique quilting techniques and designs.
- John Reinike Jr.: American architect who mainly designed houses and churches in the Midwest.