Surname Reifner - Meaning and Origin
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Reifner: What does the surname Reifner mean?
The last name Reifner is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word refen which means to plan or arrange, deriving from the Indo-European root dek meaning to take or accept. Thus, Reifner is thought to refer to one who is proactive in taking initiative or making plans. Its earliest historical records suggest that Reifner is a surname denoting a profession or occupation, most likely originating from a trade such as a tradesman or merchant.
The decision to adopt the surname could have been taken as a way to underscore the importance of hard work and proactivity in the life of German society. This could also have been an act of pride or a mark of honor for those who practiced a particular trade or mastered a certain profession. The name could thus be seen as expressing a sense of respect and admiration for certain kinds of professions.
Reifner is pronounced REE-fner and has spread not only throughout Germany but also Scandinavia, Austria, Switzerland and the United States. There are likely numerous variations of the spelling such as Rei, Reif, Riefner, etc. All of them are possible with the same meaning as described above. It is still possible to find members of this family with the same surname living in many different parts of the world today.
Order DNA origin analysisReifner: Where does the name Reifner come from?
The last name Reifner is most commonly found in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein. According to a study by the University of Göttingen, the Reifner surname is found primarily in Germany, with a smaller proportion of the total population living in neighboring countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Analysis of the same study shows that the surname is most prevalent in Baden-Wuerttemberg, followed by Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, and lower Saxony. This indicates a higher presence of the surname in the south and west of the country.
Reifner is likely derived from the old Germanic word Reif, which means "wise". Records from the 14th century reveal that the name Reifner was first used in the towns of Wissenbach and Langenstein. This indicates that the name originated in the province of Hesse, located in central Germany. From there, the name spread to the other regions of the country and eventually to neighboring countries as well.
The Reifner surname is closely associated with several places in Germany. There are at least three villages called Reifenrishofen, Reifenbergerhof, and Reifenried. Additionally, the Rabenstein Castle, located northwest of Munich, was formerly held by members of the Reifner family. According to records, their descendents are believed to still be living in the area.
Overall, Reifner is a relatively rare surname. However, it is becoming better known as more family members spread across the globe in pursuit of educational and career opportunities. This trend is likely to continue in the foreseeable future, with Reifner becoming a more recognizable last name in the years ahead.
Variations of the surname Reifner
Reifner is a surname derived from the Middle High German name Reif, which is derived from the word ‘raif’, a word used to describe someone with reddish or auburn hair. The surname is found mainly in present-day Germany, with the earliest known documents of the surnames found in the region of Nuremberg in Bavaria, dating as far back as 1302.
The variants, spellings and surnames with the same origin as Reifner are Riefner, Reiffenauer, Rifner, Reiffner and Riefenauer.
Riefner is a variation of the surname and is most likely a mutated form of the original surname Reifner. It is mainly present in Southern Germany and its earliest records date back to 1518 in Silesia.
Reiffenauer is a surname derived from the Middle High German name Reif, meaning ‘red’, and the German suffix anauer or andauer, which was added for emphasis. This surname is mainly present across Austria and can be found as far back as 1429 in Schwaben.
Rifner is another variant of Reifner, which falls within the same name origin. It is a combination of Reif and the old German word naire, meaning ‘descendant’. Its earliest records have been noted in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Saxony.
Reiffner is very similar to Reifner. It is believed to have originated in the Western Palatinate and is mainly prevalent in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Saxony.
Riefenauer is a variation of Riefner and is derived from the same Middle High German root ‘raif’, used to describe someone with reddish or auburn hair. This surname is mainly present in Austria and Southern Germany, with the earliest records being found as far back as 1441.
Famous people with the name Reifner
- Dennis Reifner: Dennis Reifner is a professional skier and adventurer who has won several international competitions, including the World Freeride Championship, World Super Snowboarding Championship, and several National Ski Championships.
- Jana Reifner: Jana Reifner is an award-winning juggler, circus performer, and master of multiple circus arts. She has performed at several top festivals and theatres around the world, including the Hollywood Follies, Tokyo State Circus, and the Edinburgh Festival.
- Mark Reifner: Mark Reifner is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder and CEO of the Reifner Foundation, which is An organization that raises money for and supports education, medical, and scientific research projects.
- Anna Reifner: Anna Reifner is a writer and blogger. She is known for her work exploring personal growth topics as well as her award-winning book, Living with Purpose: How to Find Your Life’s Meaning.
- Ryan Reifner: Ryan Reifner is an American actor, best known for his roles in films such as The Naive, The Watchers, and Peculiar Habits.
- Alex Reifner: Alex Reifner is an American football player who currently plays for the San Francisco 49ers. He is a pro-bowl worthy middle linebacker.
- Amy Reifner: Amy Reifner is a singer and songwriter. Her music has been featured in major films and television shows, such as Grey’s Anatomy and The West Wing.
- Lukas Reifner: Lukas Reifner is an Austrian snowboarder and freeskier. He has been a part of the Austrian Freeski Team since 2008 and has earned several accolades, including 2nd place in the 2011 Freeski World Championships.