Surname Reek - Meaning and Origin
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Reek: What does the surname Reek mean?
The last name Reek is of Dutch origin, with the root word being "Ric." In Middle Dutch, the word "Ric" is a nickname for someone with abundant riches, or wealth. It can also be a metonymic occupational surname, denoting a person who kept a "rek," or storehouse. Other derivations of the word Reek suggest it as an occupational name for non-storekeepers, such as a steward, a harvester, or a dresser of fur skins.
In modern times, the last name Reek has been sometimes translated as "rich," implying wealth and luxury. This interpretation of the word, however, does not necessarily hold true in all cases, as the ancient root of the word implies something more fantastical.
Today, many people who have the last name Reek still hold on to its more ancient interpretation. They may look to their surname as a reminder of a long-lost time, of the more magical and wondrous ways of life that preceded them. For them, the last name has become a symbol of the intangible and forgotten charms of days gone by.
When we look to the root and original meaning of the last name Reek, we can only assume that it carries a certain degree of mystique and mystic, a reminder of days gone by. Even in modern times, with the last name's interpretation uncertain, there is still a certain air of reverie and romance that follows it.
Order DNA origin analysisReek: Where does the name Reek come from?
The last name Reek can be found predominantly in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Netherlands. Although it is most commonly found in the UK, there are also a few families who have the surname in the United States.
The Reek surname is derived from Old English words, from the word 'rik' meaning 'rich'. Thus, it is associated with aristocrats. There are signs that the Reek family roots go back to the 11th century in English and Dutch records.
The highest concentrations of Reek families living in the UK are in Scotland, Lancashire, Oxfordshire, Westmorland, and Wiltshire. Reek family members also live in Ireland, particularly near Belfast, Dublin, Cork, and Galway.
In the Netherlands, the Reek name is mainly found in regions such as Friesland, Gelderland, and Limburg. It is believed that many Dutch Reek families were originally from Scotland and Ireland, as many immigrants left the UK for the Netherlands during the 18th century.
The Reek name is not particularly common in the United States. However, there are a small number of families who carry the name in states such as California, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.
Overall, the Reek surname can be found mostly in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands. It is a relatively uncommon name, but those who carry it have strong ties with aristocratic past.
Variations of the surname Reek
The surname Reek is of Dutch origin and is derived from the Dutch name Rijk. It is related to the Old Germanic words "ric" or "rik" meaning powerful or rich. The variants of this surname are Reecks, Re ́eks, Re ́k, Reyck, Rez, Rechts, and Rechtz.
The Dutch spelling of the surname Reek is Rijk and in Germany is usually spelled as Reiche. Over time, the name has been changed in many places, including Reichel, Reichle, Reichman, Reiches, Reichenbach, and Reichert. Reek is also found in parts of Scandinavia and Eastern Europe as Reik, Ryk, and Rych.
In the United States and England, the surname Reek is usually spelled differently. Common variations include Reicks, Reekes, Reakes, Reeks, and Reese. There are also some rare variations of the spelling, including Reeck and Reeg.
The surnames Reek, Rijk, Ryk, and Rych are all derived from the same original source and have been used in various locations throughout history. While the spelling may vary, these variants all carry the same meaning and can trace their roots back to the same ancestry.
Famous people with the name Reek
- Jessica Reek: She was a character actress who had minor roles in shows such as, “Bewitched,” “The Monkees,” and “Batman.”
- John Reek: He was a Dutch Neo-Futurist artist who was also known for his writing.
- Sylvia Reek: She was a German politician who served in the European Parliament from 1999 to 2009, representing the Social Democratic Party of Germany.
- Sammy Reek: He was a minimalist composer and his style was heavily influenced by American jazz.
- Darrell Reek: He was a novelist and short story writer who received the fiction award from the National Book Foundation in 2000.
- Gail Reek: Gail was an American artist whose work focused on the female form. Her works have been exhibited throughout the United States and Europe.
- Frank Reek: He was a famous Dutch singer and songwriter best known for his anti-war songs.
- Mark Reek: Mark was a Dutch-born filmmaker who won numerous awards for his documentaries, including the Dutch Documentary of the Year in 2006.
- Bella Reek: Bella is a renowned French singer and songwriter with two studio albums under her belt.
- Kyle Reek:Kyle is a professional skater who is known for his stylish and technical tricks. He won the X Games bronze medal in 2010.