Surname Riehl - Meaning and Origin

Decoding Ancestral Lineage: A Personal Discovery of the Surname 'Riehl' with iGENEA DNA Test

Diving into the world of genetics with iGENEA DNA test, I discovered fascinating insights about my paternal lineage, particularly the origins of my surname, Riehl. Originated from Western Germany, Riehl is a historical surname that shares its roots with the ancient Germanic tribes. The comprehensive examination of my genetic makeup, combining Y-DNA and autosomal DNA, unveiled my direct connection with the I-M170 haplogroup, one of the oldest in Europe.

A. Riehl

Riehl: What does the surname Riehl mean?

The last name Riehl is of German origin. It is thought to have evolved from the surname "Riegel," which means rye hill, or a hill covered in rye plants. The surname could indicate that the original bearer of the name came from or lived near a hill made of rye.

The original spelling of the name is believed to have been "Riegl," which is a variation of the more common spelling "Riegel." Over time, the spelling evolved into "Riehl." It is pronounced "Ree-EL."

Throughout Europe, this name has been quite common. It is thought to have been popular in the eastern towns of Germany, in Austria, and in Poland. In the United States, the name was quite common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when many immigrants of German origin moved to the country.

Riehl as a surname has served to connect many families across borders. It is a reminder of the journeys taken by so many to new lands in search of a better life. Its origin indicates a strong agricultural background and an attachment to the land. It remains an important part of family histories across the globe and stands as a testament to the importance of roots and the strength of heritage.

Riehl: Where does the name Riehl come from?

The last name of Riehl is most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland today. It is a very old German surname, and is of a Germanic origin.

In Germany, Riehl is particularly common in and around the Rhine Valley region, as well as in parts of Bavaria and other parts of southern Germany. It is also often seen in Austria, particularly in and around Vienna and different parts of the Lower Austria region.

Furthermore, Riehl is also known to have spread to other nations, particularly to North American countries such as the United States and Canada. Here, it is particularly common on the East coast, particularly in the Pennsylvania area as well as other parts of the USA/Canada. Those with the Riehl last name in North America would have likely descended from German immigrants during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Due to the prevalence of this last name in different parts of the world, it can be assumed that the Riehl name was once quite widespread in Europe. However, it’s still quite common in many regions, such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, which seemingly remain the countries in which the name is most frequently seen.

Variations of the surname Riehl

The surname Riehl is an uncommon name with Germanic and Dutch origins. It is also one of the oldest European surnames dating back to the 12th century. There are several variants and spellings of this name, as well as many related surnames that all have similar origins.

The most common variants of Riehl are Ruehl, Ruehle, Reul, Rieholz, Rheul, Rheule, Rhiele, and Reyhl. The spelling of this name can vary depending on the region of origin or the language spoken. For example, in German, it is written as Rißel.

There are many surnames that are related to Riehl, such as Rhein, Riem, Riehm, Riehe, Reihl, Riehlmann, Riehlmeister, Rehling, Rehl, Raehl, Rehle, Rehne, and Reehl.

The various spellings and variants of Riehl indicate that it is a relatively common surname, and that it has spread widely throughout Europe. However, some of these related surnames may also be quite rare. As with any surname, further research is necessary to determine the origin of the name and its spread through history.

Famous people with the name Riehl

• Leonard Riehl: German botanist known for his contributions to plant pathology and mycology.
• A. J. Riehl: American lawyer who served as a politician in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
• Paul Riehl: French painter known mainly for his outdoor scenes and seascapes.
• Fanny Riehl: German author, philosopher, social activist, and feminist.
• Walter Riehl: Austrian painter associated with the Vienna Secession movement.
• Sonita Riehl: Award-winning documentary filmmaker and poet.
• Erich Riehl: German race car driver and automotive engineer who competed in Formula One races during the 1960s and 1970s.
• Lukas Riehl: German professional soccer player currently playing for the FC St. Pauli.
• William Riehl: American conductor and music director, who served a number of U.S. symphonies.
• Annette Riehl: German-American pianist, choral conductor, and music educator.

Other surnames

RiehleRiehmRiehmeRiehmerRiehmersRiehnRiehne