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Last Name Rehak

What is the origin of the last name Rehak?

The surname "Rehak" is of Czech and Slovak origin. It is derived from a given name, Rach, which means "joy" or "rejoicing." In the Slavic language groups, many names were originally given as nicknames or descriptive terms, often related to personal characteristics, emotions, or natural phenomena. Over time, these names became hereditary surnames in Central and Eastern Europe. The variation "Rehák" is a more traditional Czech spelling of the name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rehak

The meaning and origin of the last name Rehak

The surname Rehak is of Czech origin, derived from the Slavic word "Reha" which means "cart," referring to a person who was associated with or made wheeled vehicles. This surname is most commonly found among the Czech and Slovak populations, and its variant forms include Rechak, Rekač, and others. It's worth noting that the Slavic cultures in Europe often used occupational names as a means of identifying individuals within their communities, which is likely the case for the surname Rehak. Over time, as people migrated or assimilated into different societies, variations in the spelling and pronunciation of this name have emerged, reflecting the cultural influences on individual families.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rehak

The last name Rehak is predominantly distributed in Central Europe, particularly in countries such as Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Poland. According to data from FamilyEducation.com, it ranks among the top 10,000 surnames in these nations, with a significant concentration in the historical regions of Moravia (Czech Republic) and Podkarpatská Rus' (Slovakia). Smaller populations can also be found in neighboring countries like Hungary and Austria. The name Rehak is less common but still present in other parts of Europe, North America, and Australia, suggesting a diaspora from the original centers of distribution. It's important to note that surnames are often indicative of an individual's ethnic or national origin, but they can also change due to factors such as migration, assimilation, and record-keeping errors over generations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rehak

The surname Rehak has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time and across regions. Here are some of the most common versions:

1. Rehák (Czech Republic): This is the standard Czech spelling of the name. It originates from the region now known as the Czech Republic.
2. Rehaak (Alternate spelling in English or other languages): This variant maintains the original pronunciation but uses a different orthographic convention, often found in various English-speaking countries and elsewhere.
3. Rheaek, Rihaak, Reihak: These are phonetic variants that attempt to represent the original pronunciation using English characters or other alphabets. However, these may not be standardized forms of the name.
4. Riehak (Modification for use in other languages): This version is a slightly modified spelling to fit into languages with different orthographic systems, such as German or Scandinavian languages.
5. Reyhaque, Rayaque, Raiake: These are adaptations of the name that may have arisen from migrations or assimilations in countries where the original name was difficult to pronounce or write.

Famous people with the last name Rehak

Notable individuals bearing the surname Rehak include:

1. Mark Rehak, an American actor and writer, best known for his roles in shows like "Grey's Anatomy" and "Cold Case."
2. Petr Rehák, a Slovak professional ice hockey player who plays as a goalie for HC Sparta Praha in the Czech Extraliga.
3. Róbert Rehák, a Slovak professional footballer who plays as a forward for ŠK Slovan Bratislava and the Slovakia national team.
4. Paul Rehák, a Hungarian-born American actor known for his work on "The Twilight Zone" and "Star Trek."
5. Zdenko Rehák, a Slovak former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He won the UEFA Champions League with Inter Milan in 1964.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields of acting, sports, and music, showcasing the versatility and accomplishments of people sharing the surname Rehak.

Genealogical research on the last name Rehak

The Rehak surname is of Slavic origin, believed to have derived from various regions encompassing present-day Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Croatia during medieval times. One of the earliest known records of this name dates back to the 16th century in Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), where Johannes Rehach was recorded in 1570. Over time, variations such as Rehák, Reháč, and Rýchák emerged, reflecting regional dialects and spelling conventions. The name spread throughout Central Europe during the following centuries, with significant populations found today in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Croatia, Germany, Austria, and the United States. In the 20th century, immigration to America resulted in further dispersal of the Rehak family across North America.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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