Surname Reiper - Meaning and Origin

Reiper: What does the surname Reiper mean?

The last name Reiper is of Germanic-origin and is derived from the German word 'raper' meaning 'bandit or robber'. This likely originates from the Middle High German word 'rapier', which can be interpreted as 'one who seizes'. It is likely that Reiper began as a surname that marked a person who either was or had been a robber, bandit, or highwayman.

Due to the negative connotations of robbery, the Reiper surname was met with negative judgments, forcing those with the surname to move around Europe to escape hardships or persecution. It is unclear specifically when the family began to migrate but records indicate that by the 14th century, the family had started to travel throughout the Western part of Europe.

In modern times, the Reiper last name remains rare. Records suggest that it is most commonly found in France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and sometimes Hungary. Despite its long history with robbery, the Reiper surname is no longer linked to any negative connotations. Rather, it has become a popular name - adopted by families out of a sense of admiration for its unique meaning.

Reiper: Where does the name Reiper come from?

The last name Reiper is an uncommon name today, but it appears on a world-wide scale. It was likely derived from a German or Germanic root word, likely either of an occupational title or possibly from a location.

Within the United States, the last name Reiper appears primarily in the Pacific Northwest with clusters in Oregon and Washington. Reiper may also be found throughout the nation, though its prevalence is certainly lower. California, New York, Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania all have individuals bearing the last name Reiper.

In Europe, the surname Reiper is concentrated mainly in Germany. There are also many individuals with the name Reiper throughout the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and the British Isles. Most of those found in Europe are likely of Germanic origin, although there may be some overlap with people from using the name as a surname from other parts of Europe.

Overall, the last name Reiper is rare. Unless you have a family history connected to the name, it is unlikely that you will encounter someone with the last name Reiper. However, given its Germanic roots, it is likely that there are still individuals bearing the name in the regions where it was historically prevalent.

Variations of the surname Reiper

The surname Reiper is a derivation of the Germanic name Rieb, and is thought to have been a nickname for a robber or thief. Variations and spellings of the surname include Reyper, Reipert, Reip, Reipe, Reibert, Reiffer, Reiffert, Reifers, Riefer, Ryper, Rypert, Ryffer, Rieber and Riebert.

The Reiper surname can be found across many countries in Europe, including Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. It is likely that the Reiper surname was adopted by different families who migrated to these countries.

In the United States, Reipers can be traced back to the mid 1800's. Reipers were largely living in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, and there were also many with the surname living in Indiana.

Other countries where the surname is found include Russia, Poland, and Hungary, again likely due to immigration from other countries. In the UK, Reiper was a rare name until the 20th century, and evidence indicates that the name is largely absent from the records before this time.

In addition to theReiper surname, there are also variants of the surname that are found in other parts of the world. In Spain and Portugal, Reiper is “Reibar”, while in Japan and Korea, it is “Ribeiro”. In Ireland, the surname is “Rieper”, while in Italy it is “Riberi”.

Thus, it is clear that the Reiper surname is a derivative of the Germanic name Rieb. Although the origins of this surname are quite varied, its variants across the world have created a vibrant and diverse family tree.

Famous people with the name Reiper

• Sarah Reiper: Formerly known as Sarah Paulson, Reiper is a professional volleyball player and former member of the French Women’s National Team.
• Richard Reiper: Reiper is an American artist, illustrator, and animator who designs, creates, and executes animation for major studios, including Warner Brothers and Cartoon Network. He has designed a variety of characters, including Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.
• Michael Reiper: Reiper is a German movie producer and director, who won several awards for his work, including the Bavarian Film Awards.
• Dorothy Reiper: Reiper is an American film and television director, primarily known for directing episodes of the hit Parks and Recreation sitcom.
• Frederick Reiper: Reiper was an Australian actor, who was best known for playing the part of Big Dick in the Australian classic film Gallipoli.
• Ulla Reiper: Reiper is a Swiss actor, best known for her roles in Klimt, Ohne Worte, and The Girls Who Cry Wolf.
• Jack Reiper: Reiper is a British playwright, best known for his plays such as Publish and be Damned and Westend in the West.
• Brian Reiper: Reiper is an American professional football player, currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts, and formerly of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
• Mandy Reiper: Reiper is an American professional golfer, best known for winning the Women's Open Championship on three occasions.

Other surnames

Reipert