Last Name Reiff

The surname Reiff is of German origin. It is derived from various place names and personal names in Germany, primarily from the Old High German "riu" meaning "river" or "stream" and "hof" meaning "yard" or "court". As a result, Reiff could have originated as a topographical name for someone who lived near a stream or river, or it may have been an occupational name for a caretaker of a river or watermill. Additionally, the name could also be a variant of the personal name Reinhart (meaning "brave" or "strong"), with the -ff suffix being added as a distinguishing mark in some regions. It's important to note that surnames did not become common in Germany until the late Middle Ages, and many surnames like Reiff were initially geographical or occupational names. In German-speaking countries, the name Reiff is relatively common and can be found among populations of German, Swiss, Austrian, and Luxembourgian descent. Variations of the name include Reyff, Rieff, and Rayff.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Reiff

The surname Reiff is of German origin, derived from various place names in Germany, such as Reiffenstein, Reifenberg, and Reiffeissen. These places are named after the Old High German word "reiff" or "raff," meaning steep or precipitous. Over time, this name evolved into Reiff as a surname for people who lived near these geographical features or hailed from these locations. Throughout history, individuals with the surname Reiff have been recorded in several countries, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the United States, reflecting the migration of German-speaking populations over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Reiff

The surname Reiff has a significant presence in several countries, primarily in Germany and its diaspora communities. In Germany, it originates from the region of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia. Outside Europe, a substantial number of people with the last name Reiff can be found in the United States, Canada, and Australia, which are home to large German immigrant populations. The name is also common in Israel, due to Jewish immigrants from Germany. In South America, particularly in Brazil and Argentina, the surname has roots in German immigration waves during the 19th century. Overall, the Reiff family name exhibits a strong geographical connection to areas with historical German settlements.

Variants and spellings of the last name Reiff

The surname Reiff has several variations and spellings across different regions and historical periods. The most common variation is Reich, which originates from Germanic roots meaning "realm" or "kingdom." Other variations include Rheff, Rieff, and Reyff. In some cases, the name may also be spelled as Reiff-Margoco or Reiff-Margoch, a combination of the surnames Reiff and Margocs, which is often found in families with Hungarian heritage. Additionally, there are alternative forms such as de Reiff and von Reiff, indicating noble status. These variations and spellings highlight the versatility and adaptability of the name throughout history and across various cultures.

Famous people with the last name Reiff

The Reiff family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent is Charles A. Reiff, an American lawyer who served as the United States Solicitor General from 1967 to 1969 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. He was instrumental in shaping key legal arguments during the landmark Supreme Court case, Gideon v. Wainwright (1963), which established the right to legal counsel for indigent defendants. In music, Jules Reiff is a renowned jazz guitarist and composer who has worked with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Seger. He has also released several solo albums and received numerous accolades in his career. Additionally, the Reiff family has been involved in philanthropy; Robert E. Reiff served as CEO of Johnson & Johnson and was a prominent donor to various educational institutions.

Genealogical research on the last name Reiff

The surname Reiff, originating from Germany, is derived from various regional place names and occupations associated with rye (German: Roggen). One early mention of the name is found in the annals of the town of Lohr am Main in Bavaria, where a certain "Hermann von Reiffen" was documented in 1265. The family expanded across various parts of Germany over subsequent centuries, with notable branches emerging in Westphalia and Silesia. In the 18th century, some members of the Reiff family migrated to Switzerland, particularly to the canton of Bern. Later, during the 19th century, many Reiffs immigrated to North America, settling primarily in Pennsylvania and Texas, where they continue to be found today. Notable individuals with the surname include German actor Heinz Reiff (born 1926) and American football player Dave Reiff (1956-2013).

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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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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