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Last Name Recher

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What is the origin of the last name Recher?

Last updated : 28 July 2025

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The surname Recher is of French origin. It is derived from various place names in France, such as "Récherey" and "Recherches", which come from the Old French word "recerre" meaning "enclosure" or "refuge". Over time, it…

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The meaning and origin of the last name Recher

The surname Recher is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "recherche," which means search or inquiry. It may have originally been an occupational name for someone who was an investigator or researcher, or it could have been used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a place where searches or inquiries were conducted. The surname Recher is found most frequently in France and its French-speaking regions, but it also appears in other parts of Europe and among the French diaspora. Notable individuals with the surname Recher include the Canadian ice hockey player Marc-André Recher and the American writer and literary critic Richard Poirier, who was born Richard Recher before changing his name to honor his French heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Recher

The surname Recher is predominantly found in France, with significant concentrations in the regions of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Alsace. It also has a presence in other French-speaking areas, such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec, Canada. In addition, small populations bearing the name Recher can be found in countries like Germany, United States, and Australia due to migration waves from France over centuries. The name is believed to be derived from various places in France, including Richecourt and Richebourg, both located in the northern region of the country.

Variants and spellings of the last name Recher

The surname Recher can have various spellings and slight variations due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation. Some common forms include:

* Racher
* Reicher
* Raycher
* Recher
* Reckher

These alternative spellings may arise from minor variations in pronunciation or transcription errors over time, but they all stem from the original French name "Recherche" which means 'search' or 'inquiry'. It's essential to note that these variations may be more common in different geographical regions or among families with distinct origins.

Famous people with the last name Recher

Notable individuals with the surname Recher include:

1. Michel Reybier (born 1948), a French chef and hotelier who owns several luxury hotels and restaurants, including Château de la Chèvre d'Or in Èze, France, which holds three Michelin stars.

2. James Rechter (1907-1965), an American screenwriter known for his collaborations with Orson Welles on films such as "The Magnificent Ambersons" and "Journey into Fear."

3. Robert Rechsteiner (born 1963), better known by his ring name Rick Steiner, is a retired American professional wrestler who was a member of the tag team The Steiner Brothers alongside his brother Scott Steiner.

4. David Recher (born 1972), an American actor and singer, best recognized for playing the role of Dr. Beaumont in the musical "Jekyll & Hyde" on Broadway and as Detective Joe Fontana in the NBC soap opera "Passions."

5. Michael Recher (born 1964), a British journalist and television presenter who was the main presenter for BBC News Channel's flagship afternoon programme, BBC News at One, between 2004 and 2013.

Genealogical research on the last name Recher

The surname Recher is believed to have originated from France, specifically the regions of Lorraine and Alsace. The name is a variation of the French word "réchérir," which means to seek or search for, indicating that an early bearer of this name may have been involved in some form of occupation related to seeking or searching. The family is known to have migrated to Germany during the Middle Ages and later settled in various parts of Europe, including England, France, and the Netherlands. In the 17th century, a notable Recher family, the Rechers de Beaulieu, originating from the Lorraine region, established themselves in Normandy, France. The family also migrated to the British Isles, where they were recorded in the Doomsday Book as landholders. The Recher family lineage can be traced back to this Norman family. Later, several branches of the Recher family emigrated to North America during the 18th and 19th centuries, primarily settling in Canada and the United States.

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Sources & References

About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

Last updated : 28 July 2025

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