Surname Rehbold - Meaning and Origin

Rehbold: What does the surname Rehbold mean?

The surname Rehbold is of German origin and has several possible origins. The first may derive from the Middle High German, "raht" or "reht" which meant “easy or even” and was likely used as a nickname for a person of lawful or righteous behaviour. Alternatively, it may derive from a place-name, the root of which is the Middle High German, "Rech," meaning a clearing.

The earliest known record of anyone bearing the surname Rehbold appears to be 1280, with the marriage of Halpig Rehbold and Elizabeth Wegelinus in Ravensburg, Germany. With baptismal records dating from the late 16th century, the Rehbold name appears to have been well established in the region of Ravensburg.

The surname appears to have been well used and represented by many branches of various families throughout Europe, particularly in its place of origin in Germany. It is also prominent in the U.S., particularly in the states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Illinois where it is estimated that as many as 5,000 people bear the Rehbold surname.

In contemporary Germany, the Rehbold surname remains quite prominent, particularly in the Baden-Württemberg region where it is estimated that over 800 people bear the name. It also remains populous in the states of Germany near its place of origin.

In summary, the surname Rehbold has its origin in Germany and is likely to have come from the Middle High German or have derived from a place-name. It has remained a prominent name throughout Europe and the U.S., especially in its place of origin.

Rehbold: Where does the name Rehbold come from?

The last name Rehbold is very common in the United States, especially in the Midwestern part of the country and in some Mid-Atlantic states. It is especially common in states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa. It is believed that the Rehbold family originally came to the US from Germany in the 19th century. The last name can also be found in the UK and some parts of Ireland.

It is fairly common in Germany today, and particularly in some smaller towns and villages throughout the country. It is a relatively old last name, so it can be found in places like Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Brandenburg, Schleswig-Holstein, and Saxony.

In Switzerland, the last name is also relatively common, particularly in German-speaking cantons like Bern and Basel. It can also be found in some parts of Austria, but is not as common as it is in Germany and Switzerland.

The Rehbold surname, regardless of where it is found today, is often seen as a symbol of strength, loyalty, and courage.

Variations of the surname Rehbold

The surname Rehbold is a German surname with several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Those include Rehbeld, Rehböld, Rehbeldt, Rehboldt, and Rehboll. Early records show that the Rehbold family first settled in Bavaria, the largest state of modern-day Germany. The earliest record of the name was found in a handwritten document from 1323 showing a Gottfried Rehbold in Zorneding, Bavaria.

Variant spellings of the same origin also include: Rohbald, Rohbold, RohBoeld, RohBoldt, Rhobald, Rhoeld, Rhobold, Rhoboldt, Robbold, Robeld, and Roeld. All of these spellings are variations on the same origin name, indicating that the spelling evolved slowly over time with new variations becoming accepted interregional spellings.

Some associated surnames include Rehbock, Rehburg, Rehbarth, and Rehbaum, all of which likely evolved in some way from the original spelling. The Hrabak or Chrobok surname is also associated with its origin from Rehbold, but this particular spelling appeared very early and is now common in Austria.

Modern times saw many of the Rehbold families emigrate to other countries, likely changing their spelling to something they were more used to in their new country. It is likely that some families settled in the United States and Canada. Today, the Rehbold surname is relatively rare, and most of the remaining Rehbold families still reside in Germany.

Famous people with the name Rehbold

• Lindsay Rehbold, an American actress and film producer.
• Johannes Rehbold, a German lawyer and politician of the Christian Democratic Union.
• Brooke Rehbold, a model, actress, and vocalist.
• Theresa Rehbold, a German field hockey goalkeeper.
• Christian Rehbold, a German actor and comedian.
• Joachim Rehbold, a German historian and professor at the University of Munich.
• Alfred Rehbold, a German architect and urban planner.
• Bernhard Rehbold, a German zoologist, writer, and artist.
• Manfred Rehbold, a German physicist and astrophysicist.
• Thomas Rehbold, a German/Swiss football defender who has played for Swiss teams.
• Terri Rehbold, an American potter and artist.
• Kay Rehbold, an American journalist and television news anchor.
• Ryan Rehbold, an American and Mexican soccer player.
• Hans Rehbold, a German engineer and former mayor of Ellwangen in Baden-Württemberg.
• Alfred Rehbold, a German Olympic shooter who competed in three Olympic Games.
• Andrew Rehbold, an American athlete who competes in swimming, basketball, and track and field.
• Paul Rehbold, an American entrepreneur, author, and TEDx speaker.

Other surnames

RehbockRehbogenRehboldt