Last Name Repenning

The surname Repenning is of German origin. It is derived from a place name in North Rhine-Westphalia, a region in western Germany. Specifically, it comes from the village of Reppen near Bielefeld, which was originally known as "Reppe" or "Reppin." Over time, this place name evolved into the surname Repenning as families who lived there moved to other areas and carried their local heritage with them.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Repenning

The meaning and origin of the last name Repenning

The surname Repenning is of German origin, derived from the Old High German "rapahin," which means "raven's farmstead" or "ravine farm." This surname was initially given to someone who lived near a ravine or a place frequented by ravens. Over time, variations in spelling and transliteration have led to different forms of the name, such as Reppenning, Repining, and others. The name is most prevalent in Germany but has also been found among German immigrants in other countries like the United States. The surname Repenning can be traced back to various regions within Germany, suggesting that it might have multiple origins or been adopted by different families independently.

Geographical distribution of the last name Repenning

The surname Repenning is primarily distributed across Germany and the United States, with significant concentrations in both countries. In Germany, it is most frequently found in North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, and Hamburg, regions with a rich historical background and strong Germanic roots. In the United States, Repenning is predominantly located in states that experienced significant German immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Texas, and Pennsylvania. Smaller numbers of Repennings can also be found in Canada, particularly Ontario and Manitoba, due to migration from the United States. The surname Repenning is relatively rare globally, making up less than 1% of the total population, and is mostly concentrated in Western Europe and North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Repenning

The surname Repenning may have various spellings and pronunciations depending on regional influences and historical factors. Some common variants include Riepening, Reipening, Repening, Repinning, and Riepinning. It is believed that the name originated from Germany, where it is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Reinbold or Richard, with "-ing" added to indicate occupation as a servant or follower of someone with that name. In some cases, additional variations may arise due to changes in spelling over time or migration patterns. For instance, if a family member emigrated to a different country, they might have adopted a localized version of the name, leading to further spellings and pronunciations.

Famous people with the last name Repenning

Notable individuals with the last name Repenning include:

1. Jürgen Repenning (born 1956), a German computer scientist and professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston, known for his work in artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction. He has served as editor-in-chief for the IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man and Cybernetics: Part A – Systems and Humans.

2. Jan Repenning (born 1953), a Dutch writer and journalist who is known for his books about history, culture, and travel, including "De zilveren reiziger" ("The Silver Traveler") and "Het hof van Holland: een kunstenaarsleven in de Middeleeuwen" ("The Court of Holland: An Artists' Life in the Middle Ages").

3. Karl Repenning (1897-1945), a German general during World War II, who served as the commander of the 15th Panzergrenadier Division and was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. He died in action during the Battle of Berlin.

These individuals demonstrate a range of accomplishments and interests within their respective fields, from academia to literature and military service.

Genealogical research on the last name Repenning

The surname Repenning is of German origin, specifically from the region of North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. The earliest known record of the name dates back to the mid-16th century, with Hans Repenin mentioned in a document from the city of Osnabrück, Lower Saxony in 1549. The name is believed to have derived from various places in Germany bearing the suffix "-ingen," indicating that an early bearer of this name resided there. Over time, the spelling of the name has slightly varied, with Repinning, Repenningen, and Repinningh being some of the recorded variations. The family is known to have emigrated from Germany to various parts of Europe and America during the 17th and 18th centuries, with significant populations now found in the United States and Canada. Genealogical research indicates that notable members of this family include Karl Repenning, a German architect and politician, and James Repenning, an American engineer and inventor.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Repenning"
• 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

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