Surname Reifschlager - Meaning and Origin
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Reifschlager: What does the surname Reifschlager mean?
The last name Reifschlager is a German name, ultimately derived from the words Reif ("frost") and Schlagen ("to beat”). As such, the literal meaning of Reifschlager is one who has the ability to overcome the cold. The name has been used in Germany for centuries and is an indication of the strong hardworking spirit that characterizes some of the German people.
In terms of its etymology, the name can be traced back to the Middle High German reifen ("to ripen"), and schlag ("blow"), which suggests that it originally indicated one who had great strength, capable of delivering potentially devastating blows. Such strength and courage in the face of challenging conditions could be seen as representative of the perseverance and tenacity of the German people, even in the midst of hardship.
This fortitude continues to be embodied in the Reifschlager surname to this day. It suggests a family of strong individuals who are no strangers to dealing with harsh realities, but are more than capable of overcoming them. In many ways, it is a reminder of the determined spirit of the Germanic people, one that has survived for centuries in the face of strife.
Order DNA origin analysisReifschlager: Where does the name Reifschlager come from?
The last name Reifschlager is predominantly found in Germany, as well as in Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. In Germany, the name is especially strongly represented in the northern part, around the North Sea, including Hamburg and two southern German states. In the other countries, the name is most strongly concentrated in cities in Austria such as Vienna, Graz, and Linz; in Zurich and Basel in Switzerland; and in the three major cities of the Netherlands. The surname is also found in other regions of Europe, such as France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, as well as a handful of other places outside Europe, including the United States and Canada.
In the United States, early records of the Reifschlager surname include immigrants who began arriving in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At that time, a number of families bearing the surname had already established homes in German-speaking areas of Pennsylvania and Missouri.
The surname remains quite common in these regions, especially in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and California. Many Reifschlager families in America have now been assimilated and are now widely distributed throughout the nation, but the surname is still most heavily concentrated in the states where many of the original immigrants first settled.
Variations of the surname Reifschlager
Reifschlager is a German surname. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin are: Reetzschlaegel, Reifschlagel, Reifschlegel, Reiffschlaeger, Reifschlaeger, Reifschlagel, Reiffschlagel, Reifschaegal, Reifschlegel, Reifschlaegel, Reifschalge, Reifschläger, Reichshlager, Riefschlager, Riffschlager, Rifschlaeger, Riffschleger, Riffschelger, Riefschlaeger, Riffschlaeger, Rieffschlager, Riffshlager, Riefschläger, Reifshlager, Reiffshlager, Rieffschlagel, Riffshlagel, Reichshlagel, Reifschlagl, Reiffschlaegel.
Reifschlager is the original spelling of the surname, but there are many variations due to the fact that Germanic languages, of which it is a part of, are very "sound-based". This means that when the name was being passed on, it would often be spelled differently to what it was originally depending on what it sounded like when spoken orally. Over time, these variations became more prevalent and eventually being accepted as different spellings of the same name.
Since the surname was originally German, it is derived from the word 'Reifen', meaning to mature or ripen, and 'Schlage' which can mean to swing or strike). So, its literal translation is something along the lines of 'one who strikes or matures'. The suffix 'er' usually at the end of the surname is added to denote singular ownership.
Due to immigration, the Reifschlager surname is found across the world in numerous countries including the United States, Canada, and Australia among others. It has also taken on many different spellings, some of which still preserve the original meaning.
Famous people with the name Reifschlager
- Horst Reifschlager: Horst Reifschlager was a German basketball player who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics.
- Erik Reifschlager: Erik Reifschlager is a film and television actor, most recognizable for his work in "Infomercials" and "The West Wing".
- Joseph Reifschlager: Joseph Reifschlager is a former American football player who played for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He was an undrafted free agent who played tight end.
- John Reifschlager: John Reifschlager is an American producer, director, and photographer. Reifschlager is known for his work in music videos, short films, and documentaries.
- Michael Reifschlager: Michael Reifschlager is a Swiss-born American entrepreneur, who is the founder of Butch Watches. He began his career in the watchmaking industry at a young age and has since been an innovator in the luxury timepiece industry.
- Klaus Reifschlager: Klaus Reifschlager was a German painter who was popular for his modern art. He had an international reputation for his work, and he was highly praised for his talent.
- Hans Reifschlager: Hans Reifschlager was a German technical engineer and a pioneer in the field of horizontal logic design of programmable logic devices.
- Heinz Reifschlager: Heinz Reifschlager was a German professional basketball player and coach who was a major influence in the development of the German basketball league.
- Ernst Reifschlager: Ernst Reifschlager was a German soccer player who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics.
- Roger Reifschlager: Roger Reifschlager is a Canadian Olympic sailor. He competed in the 1989 Soling World Championship and received the gold medal.