Surname Raifarth - Meaning and Origin
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Raifarth: What does the surname Raifarth mean?
The surname Raifarth is of German decent and is believed to have derived from the name Reichharth or Reichhart, which translates to ‘power’ or ‘strong’. It is believed that the name is linked to an early family of noble ancestry, which was influential in Germany during the middle ages. This family was known for their political and military successes during this time.
The usage of the surname is now found primarily in Germany with small populations of the name located in other parts of Europe, including the United Kingdom and Australia. It is a rare and distinguished name and those who carry this surname are proud of its long German heritage.
The power and strength that this surname represents is reflected in the successes of those who bear the name. Many well-known individuals, such as Fritz Raifarth, a German actor, and Victor von Raifart, a German-Ottoman traveler, have made great accomplishments in their fields with the help of the foundation the Raifarth name provides them.
Overall, the surname Raifarth has a strong heritage and is linked to influential German families with strong power and success. Its name is indicative of the strength and power its bearers exude.
Order DNA origin analysisRaifarth: Where does the name Raifarth come from?
The last name Raifarth is most commonly found in the United States, where it holds position 17,864 out of 88,799 in the 2000 census. In Germany, where it originates, it is still more common. It is found in the German phone books, and some estimates suggest that there are approximately 10,000 people in Germany with the last name Raifarth.
It is also found in various other countries where the German culture has extended to, specifically in Eastern Europe. Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands all have a decent number of Raifarths scattered throughout their countries.
The United States has the closest concentration of Raifarths, however, with a strong presence in California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York. The California Bay area is the biggest population hub, with another in Upstate New York in the Syracuse / Utica area.
The last name does not truly have a dominant area, with relatively low concentrations all over the world. It is not possible to discern an exact ethnicity to the family, though it is likely of German descent.
Overall, the last name Raifarth is common in the United States, with higher concentrations in California and New York. It is also found in Germany, as well as various other countries in Europe, such as the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Variations of the surname Raifarth
Raifarth is a variant spelling or variation of the German surname Reifarth, Rafarth, Rafort, Raiff, or Riffarth. This surname originated from the Middle German word "riff" meaning 'ridge'. The surname is likely a habitational or locational name derived from a place name with the same origin. The original Raifarth spelling emerged in the 14th century in western Germany, most likely in the Bavarian region.
Today, families with Raifarth surname can be found in Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, and a number of other countries throughout Europe. The alternative spellings and surnames that are linked to the same origin are often found in other European countries as well, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In the United States, Raifarth, Rafarth, Rafort, and Reifarth are the most commonly used spelling variations. Other variants, like Riffarth, Raiff, and Ryforth can sometimes be found in English-speaking nations, particularly in areas with large German populations.
Although Raifarth is a relatively uncommon surname, it is believed to have descended from an ancient and prominent family from Bavaria. That family includes several notable individuals, including rowing champion Axel Reifarth, famous cartoonist Anton Riffarth, and award-winning film director Johannes Raifarth.
Famous people with the name Raifarth
- Johannes Raifart: He is a German footballer who is currently playing as a defender for Ingolstadt 04 in the Germany 3. Liga.
- Clement Raifarth: He is a French competitive sailor and Olympic medalist from French Polynesia. He is a two-time Olympic medalist (gold and silver in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Olympics, respectively) and four-time medalist in the World Sailing Championships.
- Tobias Raifarth: He is a German professional bandy player who has played in various European championships, including the Finnish championship, Latvia Cup, the Russian / Eastern European Championship and various domestic tournaments.
- Sören Raifarth: He is a German alpine skier who has won World Cup titles in both the men's slalom and giant slalom categories. He is also a Junior World Champion and the German Ski Association's National Junior Coach for the 2018/19 season.
- Moritz Raifarth: He is a German ice hockey player who currently plays for the Grizzlys Wolfsburg of the German DEL.
- Horst Raifarth: He is a German retired Paralympic swimmer who competed in the 2000 Summer Paralympics, winning two gold medals.
- Paul Raifarth: He is a German retired lawyer and sports official. He served as a member of the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee and was vice-president of the German Olympic Sports Confederation and also president of the ski association in Germany.