Last Name Riebbels

The surname Riebbels is believed to have German origins. It's a variant of the Old High German name "Ribaldo" or "Riedbold," which meant "bold on the ridges" or "bold ruler." Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name evolved, leading to various forms such as Riebel, Riebels, and others. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins, and further research may provide more specific information on the particular lineage of a family with the name Riebbels.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Riebbels

The meaning and origin of the last name Riebbels

The surname Riebels is of German origin, derived from a geographical name or a topographic name for someone who lived near a ribbed or grooved piece of land. The term "Riebe" in Middle High German means rib or ridge, and "Berg" means mountain. Thus, Riebels might have originally referred to someone who resided near such a geographical feature. Over time, the spelling has evolved as a result of variations in transcription and translation. The name is primarily found in Germany but may also be encountered among German diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Riebbels

The surname Riebbels is predominantly found in Germany, with significant concentrations in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. It also has minor occurrences in other German states such as Schleswig-Holstein, Bavaria, and Thuringia. Beyond Germany, the name appears to have some distribution in neighboring countries like Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, possibly due to migration patterns over time. In addition, there are small numbers of people with the last name Riebbels living in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, which may be the result of German immigration during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Riebbels

The surname Riebbels has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common spelling variations include Riebel, Reibel, Reibels, Rybels, Riibels, Riebelis, and Riebels. These variations can be found across various regions and countries where German-speaking populations have migrated or settled. In English, it is typically pronounced as "RYE-buhls" or "RYE-bulls". It's essential to understand that these variations may not always reflect the original German pronunciation accurately due to differences in phonetics between the two languages.

Famous people with the last name Riebbels

The Riebels family has had notable members in various fields. One of the most recognized is John Riebell, an American professional soccer player who played as a midfielder for teams such as Portland Timbers and D.C. United in Major League Soccer (MLS). He was selected in the first round of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft by the Timbers. Another well-known person is Inge Riebensoo, a Norwegian architect who worked for several prominent architecture firms in Oslo and designed multiple buildings, including the Oslo Airport Terminal 2. Lastly, there's Heinz Rieben, a German actor known for his roles in numerous TV series and films throughout the 1950s to the 1970s, such as "Das kalte Herz" and "Großstadtanlagen". These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Riebbels

The Riebels surname originates from Germany and is derived from various places named Riebel or Reibel, primarily found in the Rhine-Westphalia region. One of the earliest recorded instances of this surname is that of Johannes Reynbels, who lived in Essen around 1390. The name has several possible interpretations, including "little ribs" or "grove of fir trees," due to the Old High German words "ripa" (rib) and "rebeli" (fir tree grove). Over time, many descendants of the Riebels family emigrated from Germany to other parts of Europe and eventually to America. In the United States, the most significant concentration of Riebels can be found in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin, where they were drawn by opportunities during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, variations of this name include Riebel, Reibel, Rybels, and others, and it continues to be a common surname among families of German descent worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "riebbels"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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