NomOrigine Background

Last Name Reis

What is the origin of the last name Reis?

The last name "Reis" has multiple possible origins: 1. Jewish: In Jewish origin, "Reis" is an Ashkenazi variant of the name "Reiss," which is derived from the Hebrew name Reuven, meaning "behold, a son." 2. Portuguese and Brazilian: In Portuguese and Brazilian origins, "Reis" is derived from the Portuguese word for "kings." It was originally a surname given to people who worked in royal households or served as advisors to the king. 3. Turkish: In Turkish origin, "Reis" is a title given to a captain or leader of a ship. It may have been adopted as a last name by individuals associated with maritime activities. 4. Dutch and German: In Dutch and German origins, "Reis" is a variant of the surname "Reiss," derived from the Middle Dutch word "ric," meaning "power" or "rule." It may have originally denoted a person of authority or a ruler. It is important to note that surnames can have various origins and meanings, as they may have developed independently in different cultures and regions over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Reis

The meaning and origin of the last name Reis

The surname Reis is derived from the Germanic word "reis" meaning a journey or a trip. It is primarily an occupational surname, associated with individuals who worked as traveling merchants or traders. These individuals would often embark on long journeys, navigating through different regions, selling their goods and acquiring new products. As a result, they earned the nickname "Reis" to signify their frequent travel. Alternatively, in some instances, the surname may also have originated from the given name "Reis," which is of Turkish origin, meaning "captain" or "chief." Over time, the surname Reis spread across various regions, including Germany, the Netherlands, and Turkey, leading to various spellings and adaptations. Today, individuals carrying the surname Reis can be found around the world, reflecting the migration of their ancestors throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Reis

The last name Reis has a widespread geographical distribution, with its origins primarily in Portugal, Brazil, and Turkey. In Portugal, Reis is a common surname, often derived from originally Arabic or Moorish names. As a result, it can be found throughout the country, with concentrations in Lisbon, Porto, and other major cities. In Brazil, the name Reis is also prevalent, reflecting the Portuguese influence in the country's history. It is particularly common in cities such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador. In Turkey, Reis is a surname of Turkish origin, often associated with the Ottoman Empire. Today, it is found throughout the country, with significant populations in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Additionally, with the migration and movement of people, the surname Reis can also be found in other countries, such as the United States, Germany, and France, among others, albeit in smaller numbers. Overall, the name Reis demonstrates a diverse and extensive geographic distribution across multiple regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Reis

The last name Reis has several variations and spellings, reflecting its diverse origins and historical influences. One common alternative spelling is "Rees." Another variation is the German version "Reiß," which includes an umlaut over the letter "i." In France, the name may be spelled as "Rois," while in Portugal and Brazil, it is often spelled as "Reis," without the second "e." Additionally, the name may appear as "Ries" in Dutch and as "Ryes" in Danish. Due to migration and diaspora, the last name may have further variations depending on the country and language. These variations and spellings showcase the adaptability of the name Reis and its ability to evolve over time. Whether spelled as Reis, Rees, Reiß, Rois, Ries, or Ryes, the name carries a unique history and connection to different cultures and regions.

Famous people with the last name Reis

The surname Reis has been associated with various famous individuals throughout history. One notable figure is Vasco da Gama (c. 1460-1524), a Portuguese explorer and navigator, who is renowned for his role in establishing a maritime route to India. His voyages not only opened up new trade routes but also paved the way for European dominance in Asia. In the field of music, we have Djavan Caetano Viana, commonly known as Djavan, a renowned Brazilian singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Djavan's unique musical style, blending elements of samba, bossa nova, and jazz, has earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, establishing him as one of Brazil's most prominent musicians. In contemporary sport, Raphael Reis, a talented Portuguese racing driver, has been making a name for himself in the world of motorsports, competing and achieving success in various top-level national racing championships.

Genealogical research on the last name Reis

The last name Reis has roots in multiple cultures and countries, making its genealogical research quite complex. It is derived from the Germanic personal name "Ric" or "Rico," which means "powerful ruler" or "dominant." In Germany, Reis is also a variation of the Jewish surname Reiss, derived from the Hebrew word "rosh," meaning "head" or "leader." In Portugal and Brazil, Reis is a common surname and usually refers to a monetary unit or currency used in historic times, meaning "kings" or "royals" in Portuguese. Furthermore, in Turkey, Reis is a Turkish word for "captain" or "shipmaster," leading to the possibility of Turkish origins for some individuals with this surname. Due to the diverse origins and meanings attached to the last name Reis, tracing its genealogy would require investigating various regions and cultures to uncover more information.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Reiaj (Last name)

surnames > reiaj

The last name "Reiaj" does not have a specific origin or meaning in English. It is not a common surname and may be a variant spelling or a rare surname with unknown origins.

Reiarfi (Last name)

surnames > reiarfi

The last name Reiarfi appears to have origins in Iceland. It is likely a variation of an Icelandic surname, possibly derived from a combination of the Icelandic words "reiði" mean...

Reichel (Last name)

surnames > reichel

The surname Reichel is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "reiche," which means rich or wealthy. The name was often given to someone who lived near a ...

Reichenbach (Last name)

surnames > reichenbach

The surname Reichenbach is of German origin. It is derived from the German words "reich," meaning "rich" or "wealthy," and "bach," meaning "stream" or "brook." This surname likely ...

Reicher (Last name)

surnames > reicher

The surname "Reicher" has German origins. It is derived from the Middle High German word "reih," meaning row, rank or line, and the suffix "-er," denoting a person who does somethi...

Reichert (Last name)

surnames > reichert

The surname "Reichert" is of German origin. It is derived from the Germanic personal name "Ricohard," which means "powerful ruler" or "brave ruler." The name was composed of the el...

Reichow (Last name)

surnames > reichow

The last name Reichow is of German origin. It is a variant of the surname Reiche, which means "rich" or "wealthy" in German. The name likely originated as a nickname for someone wh...

Reifrom (Last name)

surnames > reifrom

The last name Reifrom is of German origin. It is a variant of the surname Reif, which means "ripe" or "mature" in German. It likely originated as a nickname for someone who was con...

Reifs (Last name)

surnames > reifs

The surname Reifs is of German origin. It is a habitational name derived from any of numerous small places so named in Germany. These locations are typically named for a field or c...

Reigo (Last name)

surnames > reigo

The last name "Reigo" is of Estonian origin. It is derived from the personal name Reigo, which in turn originated from the old Estonian name Räägu.

Reihan (Last name)

surnames > reihan

The last name Reihan is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "rayhan," which means "sweet-scented herb" or "fragrant plant."

Reil (Last name)

surnames > reil

The surname Reil is of German origin. It is derived from a variety of given names such as Raginald, Reginald, or Radulphus, which were popular during the Middle Ages. The surname e...

Reiling (Last name)

surnames > reiling

The surname "Reiling" is of German origin. It is derived from a place name or nickname referring to a settlement or someone who lived near a clearing or open area. The word "Reil" ...

Reima (Last name)

surnames > reima

The last name Reima is of Finnish origin. It is derived from the Finnish word "reima," which means "brave" or "valiant." The name likely originated as a nickname for someone known ...

Reimane (Last name)

surnames > reimane

The surname Reimane is of Latvian origin. It is derived from the Latvian personal name "Reinholds", which ultimately comes from the Germanic name "Reinhold".