Surname Reichradt - Meaning and Origin

Reichradt: What does the surname Reichradt mean?

The last name Reichradt is of German origin and it's a combination of two German words: "reich" meaning rich and "rad" meaning counsel, advice, or journey. It is also thought to come from a place name. The name can be found as either Reichradt or Reichrodt and is thought to have first appeared in Germany in the early 1600s.

The name Reichradt has multiple meanings. In the earliest days, it was most likely used to mean “wealthy counsel” and named after an ancestor who was known for his wise counsel or advice. Alternatively, it could also mean “rich journey”, referring to an ancestor who had taken a rich journey - either financially or spiritually. It was also thought to have been used as a name for a place, possibly a settlement or village.

Today, Reichradt is still a common German name. It is a surname especially popular in North Rhine-Westphalia, where it is the 988th most common name. The variant Reichrodt is much less common. Builders, trades and agricultural workers were the most frequent historical occupations for the Reichradt family, although some members of the name would chose a different profession each generation or so.

Overall, the name Reichradt has a rich history of multiple interpretations. Its literal meaning of “rich” and “counsel” speaks to its bearer's wisdom and success, while its possible use as a place name is further confirmation of its wide-reaching legacy.

Reichradt: Where does the name Reichradt come from?

The last name Reichradt is most commonly found in Germany, as well as Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. It is a reasonably uncommon name, and today it is most prevalent in the southern and central areas of Germany. It is likely that the Reichradt family originated in these areas, as many German last names are derived from geographical locations.

The Reichradt name is associated with several occupational lines of business. This is likely why it spread from Germany to the other neighboring countries. It was likely that those bearing this name earned their livelihoods from some profession or trade and moved away from their home region for better job prospects.

The Reichradt name can be found in various records and books, including records across the centuries that date as far back as the 1500s. There is also evidence that the Reichradt family were invited to the coronation of Emperor Maximilian I in 1486.

We can also find evidence of the Reichradt family today in places such as church books, tombstones, and directories. Additionally, many of the living holders of the name have researched the family tree and its branches. There are several people with the last name Reichradt who are active online, sharing information about their relatives and ancestors.

Overall, Reichradt is a relatively uncommon surname, found mainly in the southern and central regions of Germany. It is likely that the Reichradt family has been around since the 1500s and has spread to other neighboring countries since then. Today, there are several people bearing the name still alive who are researching the family tree and unearthing more information.

Variations of the surname Reichradt

The surname Reichradt is an old German name and has various spellings and variants, as well as several surnames of the same origin.

The most common surname spelling is Reichardt. Variants of this approximation include Reichart, Reichert, Reicherd, Reicherds, Reicher, Reicherdt, Reigerd, Reicherds, Reigardt, Reiger, Reegardt, Reicherd, Reigerdt, Reigerdts, Reicherdt, and Reirerd.

Other surnames of the same origin are Reichardy, Reichardy, Reichbrandt, Reichburg, Reichburger, Reichel, Reichelmann, Reichenbach, Reichenbacher, Reichert, Reichert, Reichetzeder, and Reiching.

In some cases, more phonetic versions of the name are used such as Reychart, Riocradt and Raychardt. Less common variants include Rayherd, Rairhardt, Raichart and Raiger. Reiffert is also sometimes grouped in with surnames of the same origin.

Given the fact that the surname is of Germanic origin, there may be a couple of more obscure variants of the name which may have been used across Europe, including in the Scandinavian countries. For example, Regnard, Reikar and Richer could all be potential variants.

No matter the variant, the Reichradt surname is associated with a proud heritage and a long history.

Famous people with the name Reichradt

• Peter Reichardt: German actor best known for his appearances in the films and television series such as Ivanhoe, Der Traum vom fröhlichen Leben and Weissensee.
• Katarina Reichardt: Swedish professional figure skater. She has won several national and international competitions and is a multiple-time German Champion.
• Heinz Reichardt: German former professional football player and a manager who was played for clubs such as Schalke 04 and Borussia Mönchengladbach.
• Karl-Hans Reichardt: German conductor and composer who conducted at many prominent musical institutions including the Berlin State Opera and the German State Orchestra.
• Karl Reichardt: Father of Peter Reichardt and German actor who made multiple appearances in films and television Series during the 70’s and 80’s.
• Sebastian Reichardt: German professional soccer player who currently plays for SC Fürstenfeldbruck.
• Chantal Reichardt: Swiss World Cup alpine ski racer. She competed in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin finishing 14th in the giant slalom.
• Magdalena Reichardt: German competitive swimmer who specializes in backstroke events. She has won multiple medals in FINA World Cup meets and has also competed at the 2015 World Aquatics Championships in Kazan, Russia.
• Hansi Reichardt: German actor, filmmaker, and theatre director who produced multiple notable films including Adventure in the Alps, Die ProSieben Märchenstunde and The Getaway Man.
• Mark Reichardt: American CrossFit athlete, entrepreneur and former professional American football player. He played for the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Raiders.

Other surnames

Reichrath