Surname Reifinger - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Reifinger: What does the surname Reifinger mean?
The last name Reifinger is of German origin and is derived from the words ‘Röfingen,’ a place name. In German, the name meaning is ‘raven’s acre,’ which likely originated from the location of an old settlement or landmark near a large grouping of Raven birds.
The origin of the Reifinger name suggests that the family was most likely of agricultural background, since the Raven is closely linked to grain and corn fields, representing abundance and good fortune. Therefore, it is likely that the family’s ancestors were landowners or farmers who enjoyed a secure life.
The Reifinger surname predominately resides in Germany and Austria today, where it still has a strong presence in some of the country’s greatest cities, such as Frankfurt and Munich. The name is also present in Poland and parts of the United States, where some Reifingers landed during the 19th century.
Overall, the name Reifinger is a German name that likely originated from a place called Röfingen, a settlement that was likely near to a group of crows or ravens. The surname is associated with agriculture and abundance, likely from its agriculturally rooted ancestors. The surname is today located in Germany, Austria, Poland, and the United States.
Order DNA origin analysisReifinger: Where does the name Reifinger come from?
The last name Reifinger is most commonly found in Germany and Austria, where it has been present for centuries. The name is derived from the German verb "reifen", meaning "to ripen". Families with this name likely trace their roots back to a few distinct small towns in these countries. In Germany, the surname is found in the southern states of Baden-Württemberg, Hessen, and Bavaria. It is also commonly found in Austria, particularly in the states of Lower Austria, Upper Austria, and Burgenland.
In more recent times, many people bearing the Reifinger last name have immigrated to other countries around the world. According to the International Genealogical Index, the surname is present in well over fifty various countries, including the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States. Those of the surname who have come to the US tend to be clustered within certain hotspots throughout the Midwest and East Coast.
The surname is already quite rare, and it is estimated that there are fewer than fifteen thousand Reifinger's worldwide. With this being the case, the name is less likely to become more prevalent even with recent migratory trends. However, with its centuries-long history and its presence today in multiple countries around the world, it is likely the Reifinger last name will remain as a special gender-neutral family name for many generations to come.
Variations of the surname Reifinger
Reifinger is a German surname that dates back centuries. It originated from a place in Northern Germany and has several variants, spellings, and surnames with the same origin.
The spelling for Reifinger can vary from Reffinger to Reifinger, or even Reifingerbein and Reiffinger. In some cases, the surname could be spelled as Refigner.
Variants of Reifinger, such as Rafinger, Riffinger or Raffinger, can also be found in some areas of Germany.
Some variations of the name are also found in other parts of the world and may be spelled differently, such as Rifeinger, Ryfener, or Ryfing.
The German surname Reifinger is also found as a Swiss surname in certain areas and may be spelled as Reifenegg, Reifengi, or Reifenegger.
Other surnames with the same origin as Reifinger include Refinger and Reffinger, and some people with the Reifinger name have adopted additional surnames, such as Riefinger, Reiffinger, and Reifingerbein.
Famous people with the name Reifinger
- David Reifinger: former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle
- Ben Reifinger: American documentarian
- Bill Reifinger: American football coach
- Scott Reifinger: gospel musician
- C. Reifinger: mosaicist and enamalist
- Don Reifinger: American ice hockey player
- Lawrence P. Reifinger: director of the US Army Applied Heat Variable Speed Transmission
- Thomas Reifinger: American football player
- Heather Reifinger: figure skater
- Joseph Reifinger: American politician
- Lamar Reifinger: American football player
- Bob Reifinger: American journalist
- Harlan Reifinger: American football player
- Ron Reifinger: American football player
- Richard Reifinger: American lawyer