Surname Reinkemeyer - Meaning and Origin

Reinkemeyer: What does the surname Reinkemeyer mean?

The surname Reinkemeyer is a Germanic surname derived from the Germanic personal name Reinke, a diminutive of Reinhard, meaning "bold, brave, courageous". The surname, like its corresponding given name, could have originally referred to someone who was thought to possess a courageous or daring character.

The name is primarily a German name but has spread to other countries as a result of immigration. It is most common in Germany and the US, and is relatively rare in other countries.

Most variants of the name derive from the Middle High German Reinc; however, some variants originated from the Old High German Reinicho, which in turn is derived from the Germanic elements ragin (counsel) and heri (army).

The name Reinkemeyer was used by people during the Middle Ages. Both the given name and the surname were used in the Holy Roman Empire for hundreds of years before the start of the modern spelling system. Over time, this name has been through many changes in spelling.

In central Europe, the surname can still be found in its original spelling, especially in its original home of Germany. However, people carrying the last name Reinkemeyer may have emigrated to different countries in recent centuries, leading to different variations in spelling, such as Renkemeyer, Rinklemeyer, Reignkemeyer, and Renkemaier.

Reinkemeyer: Where does the name Reinkemeyer come from?

The last name Reinkemeyer is most commonly found today in Germany and the United States. In Germany the name is most popular throughout the northern and western regions of the country with a higher frequency appearing near the Dutch border.

In the United States, the name is most prevalent around the state of New York with clusters of families throughout New England, the Midwest and the western states. According to the US census data from 1990, there were some 275 families living in the US with the surname Reinkemeyer.

Many Reinkemeyer families trace their roots back to Germany. Immigrants first began arriving in large numbers in the late 1700s, settling in the New York area. Later waves of German immigrants moved to other states, bringing the surname with them.

Descendants of the Reinkemeyer families who originally settled in the United States can be found as far-reaching as Canada, South and Central America, and Australia. Regional pockets of the Reinkemeyer families also exist in Mexico and a number of smaller countries across Europe.

The Reinkemeyer last name can also be found outside of Germany and the United States. It appears with regularity throughout northern Europe, Asia, and Africa. Due to its ancient Germanic roots, the Reinkemeyer last name is quite popular today with adherents from dozens of countries around the world.

Variations of the surname Reinkemeyer

The surname Reinkemeyer is a German family name. It is most commonly found in Germany, although it is also widespread throughout Europe, especially in countries with a significant German population. Although the spelling may vary, the root of the name remains the same: Reinkemeyer.

Among the most common variants of Reinkemeyer are Reinkenmeyer, Reynkemeyer, Rienkemeyer, Rienkenmeyer, Reinkeneimer, and Rinkemeyer. In some parts of Germany, the name may also be spelt Ryenkemeyer, Rynkemeyer, Reinekemeyer, Reinekenmeyer, or Reineke.

Surnames that are sometimes confused with Reinkemeyer include Reißemeyer, Reichmeyer, Rainke, and Renken. These surnames are similar in meaning to Reinkemeyer but are derived from different origins.

Reinkemeyer is also sometimes found as a given name in English-speaking countries. It is unusual as a given name rather than surname, and is often spelled in a similar way to the surname, such as Rynkemyer, Reinkemyer, or Reinkemeijer.

Overall, the surname Reinkemeyer is a common German moniker and its many variants, spellings, and associated surnames demonstrate the versatility of the name over time.

Famous people with the name Reinkemeyer

• Klaus Reinkemeyer: Footballer and coach from Germany who represented his country in Euro 1976.
• Belinda Reinkemeyer: German singer and actress who has appeared in several plays and films.
• Heinz Reinkemeyer: German footballer who represented his country in the 1958, 1964, and 1967 World Cups.
• Jochen Reinkemeyer: German footballer and trainer who played for both clubs and national teams from 1961 to 1973.
• Gerd Reinkemeyer: German footballer who represented the East German national team in the 1976 Summer Olympics.
• Josef Reinkemeyer: German military officer and General of the Infantry during World War II.
• Giessen Reinkemeyer: Swiss composer, musicologist, and music journalist who composed over 50 works for theatre and orchestra.
• Clemens Reinkemeyer: German track and field athlete who represented both the East German and West German teams.
• Reinhold Reinkemeyer: German tenor and music professor at the University of Cologne.
• Reinhard Reinkemeyer: German theologian and professor at the University of Wuppertal.

Other surnames

Reinkemeier