Last Name Reichel

Learn more about the origin of the last name Reichel

The meaning and origin of the last name Reichel

The surname Reichel is of German origin, deriving from the Middle High German term "richele," which means "little ruler" or "rich one." Over time, it has been variably spelled as Reichel, Reichelt, and Richel in different regions and periods. The name was often given to children born into families of relatively high social status or wealth, symbolizing the ambition for continued success and prosperity. The distribution of the surname Reichel is predominantly found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and neighboring countries with significant German-speaking populations, reflecting its origin. Today, individuals with this surname can be found throughout the world due to migration patterns over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Reichel

The last name Reichel is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, with a significant concentration in Germany and Austria. It is also common in Switzerland and parts of Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and the Czech Republic, due to historical migrations. In the United States, the distribution of the surname Reichel is relatively high in areas with large German-American communities, such as the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. The name is also present in Australia, Canada, and South America, reflecting European immigration patterns over the past centuries. However, it's worth noting that the Reichel name has been Anglicized to various forms in different countries, which may affect its visibility in some regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Reichel

The surname Reichel can be found with various spellings and variations. Some of these include Reichel, Reychel, Riechel, Reychele, Rheichel, Rheychel, Ryehchell, Rychel, and Richel. These variations may have originated from differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors during immigration, or changes over time due to cultural assimilation. It is essential to note that while these spellings may differ, they all share a common etymology, being derived from the Germanic name Richhard, which means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader." The name Reichel is predominantly of German and Austrian origin but can also be found in other regions due to migration.

Famous people with the last name Reichel

Notable individuals with the surname Reichel include:

1. **Walter Reichel** (1896-1976), an Austrian chess player who was a World War I veteran and a strong contender in Austria from the 1920s to the 1940s, winning the Austrian Chess Championship in 1930.

2. **Gerhard Reichel** (born 1947), a German footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Tennis Borussia Berlin and Eintracht Frankfurt. He won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup with Frankfurt in 1980.

3. **Karl-Heinz Reichel** (born 1956), a German former footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs like Karlsruher SC and Eintracht Frankfurt. He won the Bundesliga title with Karlsruhe in 1980.

4. **Jürgen Reichel** (born 1957), a German former footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Karlsruher SC, Mainz 05, and Fortuna Düsseldorf. He was part of the West Germany squad that won the 1980 European Football Championship.

5. **Roman Reichel** (born 1973), a Czech professional ice hockey player who played for teams such as HC Sparta Praha, Bílí Tygři Liberec, and HC Pardubice in the Czech Extraliga. He represented the Czech Republic at the Winter Olympics in 2006.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, namely chess, football, and ice hockey.

Genealogical research on the last name Reichel

The surname Reichel originates from Germany and is of Old High German descent, derived from "reihheil" which means "protection for a field or boundary." The earliest documented usage of the name can be traced back to the early Middle Ages in regions such as Bavaria and Swabia.

Throughout history, various branches of the Reichel family have made notable contributions to their respective communities. For instance, the Reichels from Baden-Württemberg were primarily engaged in agricultural pursuits and craftsmanship during the 16th century. In contrast, the Reichels from Thuringia were involved in mining and metalworking industries during the same period.

Over time, many members of the Reichel family migrated to other regions, with significant populations found in Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and later, North America. In the United States, the first known Reichel immigrant was Johann Conrad Reichel, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1749.

Genealogical records indicate that the Reichel family has experienced a consistent growth and dispersion over the centuries, making it an extensive and diverse lineage with numerous branches worldwide today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Reichel"
• 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 : 12 June 2025