Surname Reigel - Meaning and Origin

Reigel: What does the surname Reigel mean?

The last name Reigel is of Germanic origin. It is a variant of the popular surname Riegel, which is derived from a German word meaning "rim" or "edge". This suggests that the original bearer of the name Reigel may have lived or worked near a ridge or hill. The surname Reigel likely originated in middle Germany, although it has since spread all across the European continent and beyond, especially as a result of emigration to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Reigel surname appears in German church records from as far back as the 16th century, indicating a lengthy family history in the region. Like many German families, the Reigels likely practiced a variety of trades, including farming and crafts such as weaving, brewing, metalworking, and cooperage. Over the centuries, their occupations would have changed as society advanced.

Today, the Reigels are a common family name in many countries throughout the world. The family has likely evolved in many ways, bringing together individuals of different cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs. This melting pot of cultures and traditions is likely part of what drives the Reigel family's unique identity and continued success.

Reigel: Where does the name Reigel come from?

The last name Reigel is of German origin and is believed to have begun as a nickname for a robber or highwayman. The earliest known records of the surname are found in 13th century Germany.

Today, the surname Reigel has a primarily European distribution, and is most common in Germany and countries where German immigration is well-established. It is prevalent in the state of Bavaria as well as in Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It is also quite common in other countries across the continent, including France, Belgium, Italy and Finland.

In the United States, the surname Reigel is relatively rare, but it can be found in the states with the largest German-American populations, such as Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Texas and Ohio. Canada, too, has a large Reigel population, with the largest concentrations in Ontario and Quebec.

In the 21st century, the Reigel surname remains a common one within the European countries where it is most prevalent and is slowly becoming more widespread in the United States and Canada.

Variations of the surname Reigel

The surname Reigel has several variants, spellings, and associated surnames of the same origin. Variants of the name Reigel include Reagle, Regel, Raigle, Riegel, Regal, and Reagel. Spellings of the name Reigel include Reigle, Reigal, Reagel, Reegel, Raigle, Reagle, and Reinigle.

The surname Reigel is of German origin and can be found in various Germanic languages but is particularly prominent in the German language. It is derived from Riegel which is an occupational, regional, or surname, denoting one who hails from Raigeln which is a small place near Gifhorn, Lower Saxony, in Germany.

Derivatives of the surname Reigel include Regele, Ragele, Raegle, Raegle, Ragel, Reigele, Raegeland, Reichle, Regell, Reigal, Rigel, Rigelhaupt, Rigelhaus, Reeglement, Reegle, Reigell, Reigle, Reigeduft, and Réglee.

One noteworthy family of this surname is the Reigels who have a long history in the city of Vienna, Austria. The Reigel family can also be found in the United States and according to one record from 1912 the family owned over 75 farms in the United States.

In conclusion, the Reigel surname has many variants, spellings, and associated surnames of the same origin. These variants include Reagle, Regel, Raigle, Riegel, Regal, and Reagel, amongst others, while the associated surnames are Regele, Ragele, Raegle, Raegle, Rigel, Rigelhaupt, etc. Although the origin of the surname is German, it can now be found in many parts of the world.

Famous people with the name Reigel

• Kimberley Reigel: American television writer and producer
• Albert Reigel: Prussian physician and entomologist
• Jean Antoine Reigel: French organist and composer
• Heinz Reigel: German librarian
• Michael Reigel: Austrian clarinet player
• Johann Christian Reigel: German physician and medical writer
• Franz Reigel: Austrian sculptor
• Otto Reigel: German paleontologist
• Mabel Reigel: American silent film actress
• Eleanore Reigel: German operatic soprano
• Emil Reigel: Austrian astronomer
• Charles Reigel: American photographer
• John Reigel: American politician
• Kristen Reigel: American Paralympic swimmer
• Lauren Reigel: American figure skater
• Paul Reigel: British architectural historian
• Chris Reigel: German-American sociologist
• Robert Reigel: German art dealer
• Friederike Reigel: Hungarian textile artist
• Yasmin Reigel: German-Finnish designer

Other surnames

ReigellReigert