Surname Reiber - Meaning and Origin
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Reiber: What does the surname Reiber mean?
The last name Reiber has German origins and likely derived from the personal name Reibert or Ribrat. It literally translates to mean "bright or illustrious ruler." This surname was likely given to individuals who held prominent positions of power or authority in the medieval era, such as a noble or landowner.
In modern times, the surname Reiber is still found primarily in Germany and Austria. People with this surname are found in various professions, from farmers and shopkeepers to engineers and scientists.
The name Reiber is often thought to carry traits of strong leadership and assertiveness, and those bearing it have a reputation for being hard-working and creative. They may tend to be independent thinkers with a solid determination and perseverance to see things through. And, often, those with the surname Reiber are passionate about their work and enjoy navigating challenges.
The last name Reiber carries a sense of admiration and superiority. It’s a name that implies strength and leadership, and those who bear it may be suited to specialise in roles or positions of power.
Order DNA origin analysisReiber: Where does the name Reiber come from?
The last name Reiber is most commonly found in the United States and Germany. In the United States, Reiber is among the 3,514th most common last name with around 5,700 bearers. Most Reiber families are located in the Northeastern part of the country, particularly in Pennsylvania and Ohio. In Germany, Reiber is most prominently found in the states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The name is quite widespread throughout the country, however, and is seen in many different regions.
The origin of the name Reiber is Germanic and possibly derives from the Old High German word "riber" which meant "rower". This in turn could indicate that the original bearer of the name was someone who was a professional oarsman or worked in a profession involving the use of oars. Alternatively, it is possible that the name could have a habitational origin, indicating that the original bearer of the name came from a place called Reiber.
Given the prevalence of the name today, it is likely that the original bearer of the last name Reiber was a citizen of the Holy Roman Empire in the Middle Ages. It is very likely that the original bearer of the name was an inhabitant of present day Germany, but this is ultimately impossible to determine with certainty.
Variations of the surname Reiber
Reiber is a variation of the Germanic surname Reibert. Other variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Reibert, Reifert, Reiffert, Reifer, Reiffer, Reyfert, and Reyffer. The name is believed to have been derived from the Old German word ‘riuwari’ which means ‘warrior’ or ‘hero’. Other possibilities include the ancient name Reihardt, or Reichert. It is believed that Reiber is derived from the Old High German words meaning ‘rich’ or ‘powerful’.
Although it is a relatively uncommon surname outside of Germany, Reiber can be found in other European countries, as well as the United States. In Europe, variants of the surname can be found in Switzerland, Austria, and Netherlands. Within the United States, some of the largest populations of Reiber or one of its variants can be found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois.
Historically, Reiber is a patronymic name, which means it was used to denote descent from the father’s family. Patronymic surnames were common in parts of Europe prior to the 12th century. In Germanic countries, such as Germany and Austria, the given name was usually rendered in its genitive form, with an added suffix -s or -es.
The suffix -er was also commonly used, resulting in surname variants Reiber, Reibert, and Reifert. Over time, as people spread to other parts of the world, other variant spellings of the surname Reiber evolved, resulting in surnames such as Reiffert, Reifer, Reiffer, and Reyfert. Additionally, other surnames such as Reyffer, Reihardt, and Reichert are believed to have derived from Reiber.
Famous people with the name Reiber
- Joe Reiber: American singer/songwriter, musician and producer
- Ludwig Reiber: German sculptor
- Sophia Reiber: American model and influencer
- Rhett Reiber: American actor
- Maja Reiber: German author and artist
- Bettina Reiber: Austrian actress and model
- Thomas Reiber: German architect and urban planner
- Michael Reiber: American composer and music producer
- EM Reiber: Dutch photographer
- James Reiber: American voice actor, comedian, and director