Surname Rehn - Meaning and Origin
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Rehn: What does the surname Rehn mean?
The last name Rehn has Germanic origins and is thought to be derived from the personal name Raino, which is derived from the Proto-Germanic "ragin" meaning counsel or advice. This name was common in the Middle Ages and was most likely bestowed on an ancestor who had the wisdom and discernment to give good advice.
In older times, Rehn was predominantly found in areas in and around Hanover, Germany, where it is believed to have first originated. Those surnames with the prefix ‘von’ or ‘de’ were usually indicative of good standing and wealth within the community. In modern times, Rehn surnames have made their way to other countries and continents, particularly the United States.
The meaning of the name is believed to reflect the qualities and characteristics of a wise and prudent ancestor. It is a name that is steeped in history - associated with those who sought to guide and advise, possessing strength and intelligence. The old Germanic origin of the name Rehn continues to make its presence known in modern times, and it is a popular choice for naming children, reminding us of our rich heritage and the wisdom of those who have come before us.
Order DNA origin analysisRehn: Where does the name Rehn come from?
The last name Rehn is most commonly found in countries with Nordic ancestry such as Scandinavia and Finland. It is a fairly common surname in Norway, Sweden, and Finland, where it is estimated that it is shared by tens of thousands of people. It is also found in the German-speaking countries of Germany and Austria, where it is less common. Similarly, it can also be found in the United States, Canada, and Australia, as many people from Nordic countries migrated to these countries during the 20th century.
The etymology of the name Rehn is believed to be derived from a geographical location, as it was believed to refer to the Renne river in Norway. It is also thought to be derived from the surname Rein, which is derived from the Old Norse elements regin, meaning “counsel” and hrod, meaning “fame”. The meaning of the name is believed to be “famous counsel” or “wise advice”.
The Rehn name can also be found in Hungary, where it is spelled as Rén. In Finnish, the name is spelled Rehn, in Swedish it is Rehn and in Danish it is Reen. Today, it can also be found in Estonia and in several of the Baltic countries, such as Latvian and Lithuania.
Variations of the surname Rehn
The Rehn surname has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common variations include Rehn, Rehne, Rhein, Rhine, Rein, Raine, Rheine, Rhyne, Rayne and Rayn.
The surname Rehn originated in Medieval Germany with the meaning of "two rivers". It is likely derived from the word rhein meaning a large river, with the suffix ‘en’ or ‘heim’ meaning ‘home’.
Other surname derivatives include the popular German surname Rheinheimer and variants such as Rheinitze, Rheinig, Rheiniger and Rheines. Other variations of the Rehn surname include Reingruber, Reinschmidt, Reinfurt, Reinholz, Reinicke, Reinier, Reinken, Reipke and Reischl.
The surname is also found in Scandinavia, Middle East and North America. Variations of Rehn are found in Denmark and Norway as Rahn, in Poland as Rejnie, and in Germany and Austria as Rehbinder or Rehbander. In the United States, the surname is most commonly spelled as Rhine, while in Canada, it is often spelled as Rhyne.
The Rehn surname is also found in some Middle Eastern countries such as Jordan and Iran. In Arabic countries, variations of the surname can be found as Rahim or Raheem. In some cases, Rahman may also be used.
Overall, the Rehn surname has numerous variations, spellings and surnames of origin. These variations provide an interesting insight into the family's history and the changing locations of the Rehn lineages.
Famous people with the name Rehn
- Andreas Rehn: Swedish artist and poet.
- Birgitta Rehn: Finnish feminist, former Member of European Parliament, and current member of the City Council of the City of Helsinki.
- Elisabet Rehn: Finnish lawyer and politician and the current Minister for European Union Affairs.
- Axel Rehn: Swedish journalist and writer.
- Jaakko Rehn: Finnish conservative politician and former Member of Parliament.
- Bo Rehn: Swedish politician and former Member of Parliament.
- Karin Rehn: Swedish archaeologist and former Director-General of the Kungl. Vitterhets Historie och Antikvitets Akademien.
- Marie Rehn: Swedish actress and TV-producer.
- Marie Rehnqvist: Swedish Olympic fencer.
- Wilhelm Rehn: Swedish journalist and film and theatre critic.
- Sacha Rehn: Swedish film director and writer.
- Sofia Rehn: Swedish actress.
- Tobias Rehn: Swedish singer and songwriter with roots in folk music and neo-soul.
- Victor Rehn: Swedish classical composer.
- Leonard Rehn: Swedish chess master.