Last Name Reeck

The surname Reeck (or Reick) is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "ric" meaning "powerful" or "rich". Over time, it has been spelled in various ways such as Rieck, Reihk, and Reyhk. The name was common among people who lived near rivers or waterways where fishing was a major source of income, as the name may have originally referred to someone who lived near a wealthy or powerful person.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Reeck

The meaning and origin of the last name Reeck

The surname Reeck is of German origin, derived from a topographical name for someone who lived near a small marshy clearing, or from a habitational name for someone from any of several places named with this element. The term "Reh" in German means "deer," and when combined with the suffix "-ecke," it can refer to a small deer enclosure or a location where deer were often seen. Over time, the name Reeck migrated with German-speaking populations, particularly to various regions of Europe, North America, and parts of Africa. The name is relatively uncommon but has been found in several countries including Germany, Poland, Russia, South Africa, and the United States. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Hermann Reeck, a German mathematician, and Johannes Reeck, a Dutch astronomer.

Geographical distribution of the last name Reeck

The surname Reeck is predominantly found in Germany, particularly in regions such as Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, and Lower Saxony. It also has a significant presence in Austria and some parts of Switzerland, reflecting the historical migration patterns within Central Europe. Smaller numbers of individuals with the last name Reeck can also be found in other countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. These distributions often result from German immigration waves during various historical periods. The name is less common in other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Reeck

The surname Reeck can be found with various spellings and variations, reflecting its origins and evolutions over time. Some common spelling variations include Reek, Riek, Reeke, Reecke, Rheek, Rheek, Ryk, Riech, Rieck, and Riek. These differences may arise due to regional dialects, transcription errors, or individual preferences in spelling. The name is of Germanic origin, derived from the given name Rikard (Richard), which itself originates from the Old High German Hrod-ric meaning "powerful ruler." Over time, the surname Reeck has been borne by individuals in numerous countries, particularly those with significant Germanic populations.

Famous people with the last name Reeck

Notable individuals with the surname Reeck include:

1. **Thomas Reeck** (born 1973), a German politician who has been a member of the Bundestag since 2017, representing the Green Party.

2. **Johannes Reeck** (1864-1943), a German archaeologist and Egyptologist known for his work on the ancient Egyptian language and hieroglyphs.

3. **Karl Reeck** (1870-1954), a German art historian, museum director, and collector who served as the director of the Kaiser-Friedrich Museum in Berlin from 1916 to 1926.

4. **Lieselotte Reeck** (born 1925), a German actress and television presenter, known for her roles in German films such as "The Green Forest" and "Mozart's Sister".

5. **Dietrich Reeck** (1873-1943), a German general during World War I who served as the Chief of Staff of the 6th Army from 1914 to 1918. He was later dismissed for his role in the failed July 20, 1944 plot against Adolf Hitler.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, archaeology, art history, acting, and military leadership.

Genealogical research on the last name Reeck

The surname Reeck is of German origin and is predominantly found in regions such as Saxony and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Its roots can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with early records showing variations like Rieck, Ricke, and Rieke appearing in Saxon records from the 15th century onwards. The name is a topographic surname, derived from the Old High German word "rike," meaning a small hill or knoll. As German settlers migrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas during the late medieval and early modern periods, the Reeck name also spread, establishing families in countries like Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Russia, and the United States. In the New World, significant populations of the Reeck family can be found in states such as Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Texas. Today, the Reeck name remains common among German-American communities worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Reeck"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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 : 11 June 2025

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