Last Name Reichle

Learn more about the origin of the last name Reichle

The meaning and origin of the last name Reichle

The surname Reichle is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German "reiche" which means rich or powerful. It is an occupational name for someone who worked as a reeve or bailiff, a position of authority and wealth in medieval society. The name may also have been a topographical name for someone who lived near a rich or fertile area. Over time, various spellings of the surname emerged due to linguistic and regional variations, such as Reichel, Reichel, Reichele, and Reickel. Today, the surname is most common in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, but it can also be found in other parts of the world where German-speaking immigrants have settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Reichle

The surname Reichle is predominantly found in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, reflecting its Germanic origins. Historically, it originated from the Middle Ages as a nickname for someone who was strong or powerful, derived from the Old High German word "ric" meaning power or rule, and "hild" meaning battle or strife. Over time, German-speaking settlers carried the name to various parts of Europe, particularly North America, during migration waves in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the United States, significant populations of Reichle descendants can be found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, with smaller numbers in other states. Outside Europe and North America, there are also scattered instances of the surname in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Australia, and South Africa, often due to migration from European settlers.

Variants and spellings of the last name Reichle

The surname Reichle possesses variations and alternate spellings due to linguistic evolution and regional differences over time. Some common variations include Reichele, Reicheli, Rheichle, Riechle, and Richel, among others. These variations may stem from slight phonetic alterations or historical transcription errors during immigration processes. In some cases, the spelling can also be influenced by local dialects or languages in different regions where the surname is present. Despite these differences, all these spellings are derived from the original German name, which originates from the Middle High German "richel" meaning 'crest' or 'ridge'.

Famous people with the last name Reichle

Notable individuals with the surname Reichle include:

1. Franz von Paula Reichle (1783-1869), a German botanist and professor of botany at the University of Munich. He was one of the founders of experimental plant physiology.

2. Frank Reichle (born 1957), a Swiss businessman who served as CEO of ABB Ltd., a multinational engineering company, from 1998 to 2003.

3. Michael Reichle (born 1964), a German politician and member of the Christian Social Union in Bavaria (CSU). He has been a member of the Bundestag since 2017.

4. Peter Reichle (born 1952), a Swiss musician, conductor, and composer. He is the principal conductor of the Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra.

5. Rolf Reichle (1936-2016), a German actor who appeared in several West German films during the 1960s and 1970s.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including botany, business, politics, music, and acting.

Genealogical research on the last name Reichle

The surname Reichle is of German origin, derived from various place names and personal names in Germany. The name can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was common for individuals to take their occupational name or the name of the village where they lived as a means of identification.

One notable variant of the surname Reichle is Reiche, which was first recorded in the 13th century in Thuringia and Saxony. The name can also be found in other regions of Germany such as Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, and Bavaria. In the United States, the earliest known records of the Reichle family date back to the mid-1800s, with many immigrants settling in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

In terms of genealogy, some notable Reichle/Reiche families include the Reiche family of New York, who were descended from Johann Georg Reiche (1754-1824), a cabinet maker from Germany. Another noteworthy lineage is that of the Reichle family of Wisconsin, who trace their roots back to August Friedrich Reichle (1806-1893), a carpenter who emigrated from Württemberg in 1834.

Overall, the surname Reichle/Reiche has a rich history that spans centuries and multiple regions of Germany, with many descendants now living in the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Reichle"
• 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 : 23 July 2025