Last Name Reil

Learn more about the origin of the last name Reil

The meaning and origin of the last name Reil

The surname Reil is of Germanic origin. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "reil," which means "straight" or "level." This suggests that the original bearer of this name was likely a surveyor, builder, or mason responsible for ensuring surfaces were flat and level. Alternatively, it may have originated from the Old High German word "rīlo," meaning "a rut in the ground," indicating a person who lived near such a feature. The name was also found among the Normans in England, where it is believed to be derived from the Old Norse word "reilr," meaning "a rod" or "a stick." Over time, various spellings of the name have appeared, including Real, Reyel, and Ryall, due to phonetic and orthographic changes.

Geographical distribution of the last name Reil

The surname Reil is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly Germany and Austria, where it originates from. It has also been identified in neighboring countries such as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the Czech Republic, due to historical migration patterns and cultural ties. Additionally, there are notable clusters of people with the Reil surname in other European countries like France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia, reflecting migration waves over centuries. In North America, the name can be found among German and Swiss immigrants who settled predominantly in the United States and Canada during the 19th and early 20th centuries. While the distribution of the Reil surname is primarily European, it has also been identified in other parts of the world as a result of global migration trends.

Variants and spellings of the last name Reil

The surname "Reil" has several variants and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some of these include:

1. Reyle - This variant is most commonly found in France, though it may also be present in other French-speaking countries or communities.
2. Real - This spelling is predominantly used in Spanish-speaking regions but can also appear among German-speaking populations.
3. Riel - Pronounced similarly to "Reil," this variant has a slightly different origin and is most common among people of Jewish descent, particularly those from Ashkenazi backgrounds.
4. Rayl - A less common spelling that may be found in English-speaking countries or communities.
5. Reyll - This is a rare variant that might be encountered in German-speaking regions.
6. Ryel - Another uncommon spelling that could potentially be found among English speakers.
7. Riell - A less frequent spelling, this variation may appear among Italian or French populations.

Famous people with the last name Reil

Notable individuals bearing the surname Reil include:

1. Richard Dedekind Reil (1759-1813), a German psychiatrist and co-founder of the Berlin Society for the Acquired Improvement of the Human Understanding, who is often considered one of the founders of modern psychiatry.

2. Johann Christian Reil (1789-1854), a German physician and natural scientist, also known as the "father of forensic medicine" for his work in the field of legal medicine.

3. Robert H. Reil (1926-2015), an American physicist and academic administrator, who served as the Chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles from 1980 to 1990.

4. Michael Reil (born 1953), a German actor, known for his roles in movies such as "The NeverEnding Story" and "The White Ribbon".

5. Sarah Reil (born 1993), a German racing cyclist, who won the German National Road Race Championships in 2017.

Genealogical research on the last name Reil

The surname Reil is of German origin and is believed to have derived from various locations in Germany, such as Reilsheim and Reuthlingen in Württemberg, or Rheldorf in Rhineland-Palatinate. The earliest recorded spelling of the name appears to be "Reidel" in the mid-14th century. Over time, the surname spread across Europe due to migrations and settlement patterns, including movements to Scandinavia, Russia, and Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages. In North America, the Reil family was among those who emigrated during the 18th and 19th centuries in search of religious freedom or economic opportunities, with notable groups settling in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and other parts of the United States and Canada. Notable individuals with the surname include Karl Friedrich Burdach-Reil, a German physician and botanist, and Charles Augustus Reil, an American lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Ohio.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Reil"
• 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