Surname Reigal - Meaning and Origin
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Reigal: What does the surname Reigal mean?
The last name Reigal is of Ashkenazic Jewish origin and is of German origin, derived from the Old German elements ragin, meaning "counsel," and walt, meaning "rule." The name means either "counselor of estates" or "noble ruler."
Surnames such as Reigal are unique in that they combine legal, financial, and political meanings, making them especially interesting. The name might have been given to individuals who had been granted nobility status through their service to a political or financial noble family. It could also refer to an individual's success and accomplishments in politics, law, or finance, and be a recognition of such status.
In the old days, family name became well known and associated with certain areas of germany. Certain families would be characterized as urban, rural, artisans – all with their own set of values, associations and destiny written hieroglyphic style in their names.
Reigal is an uncommon surname nowadays. It is quite possible that the Reigal surname originated in many different areas in Germany, and it may have multiple versions of the name related to it. It's quite possible that, due to shifting populations over time, the name may have taken on multiple meanings. As a result, it is difficult to determine when, why, and how the Reigal surname originated.
Regardless, the Reigal name continues to be a source of interest and wonder for both those who share it and those who are merely curious about its origins.
Order DNA origin analysisReigal: Where does the name Reigal come from?
The last name Reigal is most commonly seen today in North America and Western Europe. In the United States, the name is mostly found in the Midwest, particularly in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas. It is also common in New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
In Canada, it is most commonly seen in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. In Europe, this surname is quite common in Germany, France, England, and the Nordic countries.
The origin of this last name is Jewish. Reigal is thought to be derived from the Yiddish expression "Reyg," which means "rowdy" or "power." It may also mean “ruler” or “power” in Hebrew.
Reigal is not uncommon in the United States. According to Ancestry.com, as of 2015, there were over 2,200 people with the last name living in the United States. The highest concentration was in the Midwest.
The name is not as common in other countries. In Germany, the surname is considered to be very rare, with only a few hundred Reigals living in the country. In Sweden, only around fifty people carry the name. It is also quite rare in the UK, with fewer than 500 people living with the name.
Overall, Reigal is a relatively uncommon surname, with an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people carrying the name in the entirety of North America and Europe.
Variations of the surname Reigal
The surname Reigal has evolved from a variety of different spellings and variants over the centuries. This name is derived from a German word meaning “kingdom” or “realm”. The earliest recorded spelling of this name was “Riegal” in the 12th century. Over time, the spelling has changed and the surname now appears in many variants.
The most common variants of Reigal are Reigle, Reihel, Reigel, Reigle, Reigel, Reihe, Reihl, Reihel, Reighley, Reichle, Reighly, Rygel, Rygle and Ryghley. These variations are primarily due to regional dialects and pronunciation shifts throughout history.
In addition to the variations, there are also numerous surnames derived from the base Reigal. Some of these include Reidle, Reidel, Ridle, Ridgley, Riegel, Rieger, Reiger, Rigel, Riggle, Rygler, Rygalski, Reighl, Reichard, Rhigel, Reich, Reick, Rieck and Reike.
These surnames provide a unique look at the history and evolution of the Reigal name and demonstrate how various individuals of the same origin have branched off over the centuries. The surname can also help individuals trace their own family history and discover the roots of their name.
Famous people with the name Reigal
- Ladena Reigal: Artist, Painter, and Curator
- Leslie Reigal: Cartoonist
- Erika Reigal: Actor
- Dave Reigal: Musician and Director
- Chris Reigal: Technology Entrepreneur
- Maria Reigal: Author and Columnist
- Edward Reigal: Lawyer and Activist
- Ryan Reigal: Soccer Player
- Jonathan Reigal: Chef and Restaurateur
- Martha Reigal: Politician and Lobbyist