Surname Reifarth - Meaning and Origin
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Reifarth: What does the surname Reifarth mean?
The last name Reifarth is of German origin. It is derived from the combination of the two German words “Reif” and “Arth,” both of which mean protector. This implies that the ancestral roots of the surname are deeply rooted in the traditions of German chivalry and nobility.
The earliest recorded forms of this surname are found in a Latin manuscript dated 1422, whereby a man with the name of Burgwart Reifarth is mentioned. Other variations of this name include Reyfart, Reyffarth, Reifartht, and Reifert.
As with many German last names, the literal meaning of the word may not directly correlate to the activities and lifestyle of the person who bears the name. It is quite likely that a person with the surname Reifarth has no direct relation to the warrior heritage implied in the name. It is more likely that the name has become a reminder of the strength of tradition and character of the German ancestors.
In modern times, the last name Reifarth has become more widespread due to the increased immigration of German people to other parts of the world. However, it is still associated with the strength of German heritage and culture, to the extent that the name is still embraced by people with direct German lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisReifarth: Where does the name Reifarth come from?
The last name Reifarth is most common in Germany today, particularly in the southeastern region of the country where the cities of Dresden, Leipzig, and Berlin are located. Due to Germany's history of migration and immigration, however, Reifarth is also seen in places as far away as the United States and Canada, as well as other parts of Western and Eastern Europe.
The earliest known record of the Reifarth surname dates back to the 1400s in Germany, when it was used to denote a region of land in present-day Thuringia. At that time, prominent families who owned this land often adopted the name to denote their status and land-ownership. As a result, the name is still commonly seen in this area today.
One hallmark of the surname is its various spellings, which have appeared throughout the centuries. Common variants include Refarth, Refort, Reifartht, Röfarth, Reichard, Xaver, and Wurzburg among others.
Most Reifarth families today have their roots in the Oberpfalz, Nurenberg, Thuringia, and Rhineland-Palatinate regions of Germany. They most likely make their living as farmers and tradespeople, although many of their descendants can be found in a variety of other professions throughout the world.
Variations of the surname Reifarth
The surname Reifarth is an occupational name derived from the German term rief, meaning ridge. Reifarth is spelled in many different ways and variations, which are as follows: Reifarth, Reyfarth, Reiffarth, Riefert, Rieferts, Rifert, Rieffert, Reiffert, Reifferts, Raifort, Raiforth, Rifeard, Riefar, Riefard, Riefardt and Reopold.
Reifarth is a patronymic surname meaning "son of Rief," which is derived from the Middle High German word "riefe," meaning ridge. It was a common name given to people living on a ridge of land in medieval times. Depending on the region, the surname might have different spellings: Reiffarth, Rieferts, Reiforth, Reifeard, Rifaerts, Riefardt, Reopold, Riefar, Reiefort and Raiffarth.
The alternate spellings can vary depending on the language and country of origin. In Germany, it is most commonly spelled Reifarth, but in other parts of Europe, Reiffarth, Riefert, Reopold, and Riefardt might be more common. In the United States, Reopold, Rieferts, and Rifert might be used.
Reifarth is a family name that dates back hundreds of years and is of German origin. It is still popular today but is now found in different countries across the world. As many as 8000 people in Germany alone bear the name, and many of them still live in the same region as their ancestors did centuries ago.
Famous people with the name Reifarth
- Tom Reifarth: American retired hurdler who is a two-time Olympian and has won multiple outdoor NCAA championships.
- Ralf Reifarth: German professional racing driver who was the first German driver to win a race in the Formula One World Championship.
- Elfriede Reifarth: German sprinter who competed at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich and the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.
- Paul Reifarth: Retired U.S. Army Brigadier General and member of the White House National Security Council.
- Walter Reifarth: German soccer player who played for the German National Team and Eintracht Frankfurt.
- Christian Reifarth: German biathlete and three-time participant in the World Cup.
- Richard Reifarth: German athlete and long-distance runner who competed in the World Championships in 1995 in Göteborg, Sweden.
- Karl Reifarth: German cyclist who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics, and World Championships in 1938 and 1939.
- Hildegard Reifarth: German paralympic swimmer who competed at the 1984 Summer Paralympics and 1992 Summer Paralympics.
- Andreas Reifarth: German lightweight rower who won a gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.