Surname Reger - Meaning and Origin
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Tracing My Roots: How the iGENEA DNA Test Enhanced My Understanding of the Surname Reger
Growing up with the surname Reger, I had always been intrigued by my family's roots and heritage. My curiosity led me to take the iGENEA DNA test, an experience that has deeply impacted my understanding of personal identity and heritage.
H. Reger
read moreReger: What does the surname Reger mean?
The surname Reger is of German origin and derives from the Middle High German term 'reger', which means 'active' or 'agile'. It was often used as a nickname following the medieval tradition of using personal characteristics to assign surnames. Therefore, the name might have been given to someone who was very active or energetic. Also, it could refer to someone who was a keen and efficient worker. The name spread across different regions and can still be found in several countries today with a concentration in Germany, the United States, and Brazil. Like many surnames, deviations and spelling variations such as Rager, Regar, Regher, and Regerer have also been recorded. It's important to note that names can have different origins and meanings in different regions and cultures. Therefore, the meaning of Reger may vary.
Order DNA origin analysisReger: Where does the name Reger come from?
The last name Reger is most commonly associated with German families, particularly in the region of Unterfranken in the state of Bavaria. It is also found more generally throughout Germany, especially in the south, and to a lesser extent Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
In the modern era, Reger has been particularly prominent in the United States. Since the 1800s, families with the Reger name have been steadily immigrating from Germany through Ellis Island, and today the name can be commonly found all over the country. It is particularly prominent in the Midwest and Great Lakes states, particularly Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois.
Although the name has grown less common in Germany, likely due to emigration to the United States, it remains one of the most common surnames in many parts of the country, particularly Bavaria, where one in every 50 households bears the Reger surname.
Reger is not a particularly common name elsewhere in the world, though there are families with the name in Australia, South Africa, Brazil, and other countries. It is far less common in these countries than it is in the United States, however.
Variations of the surname Reger
The surname Reger is an occupational name, derived from the German word for ruler, rege. As a result, the surname was also applied to anyone who held a ruling power over other people or things. Variants of the surname Reger include Regar, Regehr, Kriegor, and Kriger.
The surname Reger is also spelled Räger, Ragar, Rager, Ragerer, Regar, Regerr, Regehr, Kriegor, Kriger, Pregger, Reeger, Rieger, Riegner, Riegger, and Riegert.
In other countries the surname has become somewhat changed. In Poland it is Ryger, and in Czech Republic it is Rygl. In Hungary, it is spelled Röggerer. In France, it is written as Ragé and in Greece, Regeris. Also, in Russia, it is Regrin and in Scandinavian countries, Reiger.
A less-common surname related to Reger is Regar, which is found in Austria and Switzerland. It is derived from the Middle High German word 'regar' meaning 'council, assembly or chapter'.
In some cases, Reger is combined with the Swiss and German word ‘zum’ which, in this context, means ‘of the’, resulting in surnames such as RegerzumKriegor and RegerzumKriger.
In other surnames, it is combined with the ‘von’ or ‘von der’, or the French ‘de’, resulting in surnames such as RegervonRegen and RegerdeRegen. There are even surnames using ‘zur’ (German for ‘of the’), such as RegerzurRegen, which can be found in Germany.
Lastly, Reger may also be used as a middle name, as it is collectively found in surnames like AlbrechtReger, BerndReger and BischofReger.
Famous people with the name Reger
- Max Reger (1873-1916): Max Reger was a German composer, conductor, pianist, and academic teacher. He was a considered a leading figure in the development of the chorale prelude of the 19th and early 20th centuries as well as a significant figure in the area of symphonic composition.
- Marilyn Reger (1942-): Marilyn Reger is an American celebrity hairstylist and author. She is best known for her work with the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, and many other celebrities. She has also authored 7 books, including “Secrets to Great Hair” and “Marilyn Reger’s Salon Secrets”.
- Franz Reger (1909-1993): Franz Reger was an Austrian composer and musicologist. He is known for his transcriptions and arrangements of Baroque sacred music.
- Richard Reger (1955-): Richard Reger is an American television writer and producer. He is best known for his television writing credits on "Hill Street Blues" and "LA Law". He is also known for writing and executive producing the TV series "My Sister Sam".
- Stephen Reger (1984-): Stephen Reger is an American film and television producer. His production credits include films such as "The Girl on the Train" and "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel". He has also produced television series such as "Desperate Housewives" and "Ugly Betty".