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Last Name Reinhard

What is the origin of the last name Reinhard?

The surname Reinhard is a Germanic name derived from two Old High German words: "rein" which means 'pure' or 'honest', and "hard" which translates to 'brave' or 'strong'. The compounded name indicates someone who was either pure-hearted, honest, or brave. The use of this surname can be traced back to the Middle Ages in German-speaking regions.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Reinhard

The meaning and origin of the last name Reinhard

The surname Reinhard is of German origin, derived from the Old High German elements "rein" (pure) and "hard" (brave or hardy). It is a name that historically was given to individuals who were considered brave or strong, as well as those with pure or noble lineage. The name Reinhard first appeared in recorded history during the Middle Ages in Germany, where it became a common surname among the nobility and upper classes. Over time, families bearing this name migrated throughout Europe and eventually settled in other parts of the world, including North America. Today, the surname Reinhard is widespread, with significant populations found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Reinhard

The surname Reinhard is predominantly distributed across Central Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria, where it originates from. It also has a significant presence in Switzerland, reflecting the region's historical connections. Smaller concentrations can be found in other parts of Europe such as France, Belgium, and the Czech Republic. Additionally, the name has been dispersed globally due to German immigration, with notable populations in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Argentina. In these countries, it is often spelled with minor variations, such as "Reinhart" or "Renard", reflecting local phonetic conventions. However, the name's distribution remains largely concentrated in Central Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Reinhard

Reinhard is a surname with various spellings and minor variations, originating from the Germanic language. The most common versions include Reinhardt, Reindhardt, Raynard, Raenhard, Rainhard, and Reynhard. It is derived from the elements "rein," meaning "strong" or "noble," and "hard," meaning "brave" or "hardy." Some lesser-known variants of this name are Reinhart, Reynehardt, Renhard, Rainhart, and Raynhardt. These variations may arise due to differences in regional pronunciation, spelling conventions, or transliteration from other languages. However, they all share the same origin and basic meaning.

Famous people with the last name Reinhard

Reinhard is a surname associated with several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent figures is Reinhard Heydrich (1904-1942), a high-ranking Nazi official during World War II, known for his role in the Holocaust and the Wannsee Conference. Another significant individual is Reinhard Selten (1930-2016), a German mathematician and economist who was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1994 for his work on game theory. In the field of music, Richard Reinhardt (1891-1972) was an influential violinist and composer. Lastly, Karl Reinhard (1906-1983), a German journalist, served as editor-in-chief for the weekly magazine Der Spiegel from 1954 to 1971. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields and continues to be remembered for their accomplishments.

Genealogical research on the last name Reinhard

The surname Reinhard originates from the German language, derived from two roots: "Rein" meaning 'pure' or 'noble', and "Hard" denoting 'brave' or 'strong'. It is believed to have emerged among the Germanic tribes, particularly in areas that are now Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The earliest recorded instance of the name can be traced back to the 13th century in the region of Bavaria, Germany. As German settlers migrated to other parts of Europe and eventually North America in the Middle Ages and beyond, the Reinhard surname spread and diversified. Notable individuals with this surname include Johann Philipp Reinhard (1749-1802), a German botanist and zoologist, and George F. B. Reinhard (1863-1927), an American newspaper editor and politician. Today, the Reinhard name is present in various countries around the world, reflecting its long and rich history.

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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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