Surname Riegle - Meaning and Origin
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Riegle: What does the surname Riegle mean?
The surname Riegle is of German origin and is a habitational surname which derives from places in southern Germany named Riegel. It is most likely derived from the German word for fence, riegel, that was used to describe a line of settlements that were surrounded by a fence or wall at the time.
This type of surname was created to designate people from certain geographic areas, including cities, states, and countries. For example, someone living in a place named Riegel would take the name Riegle. Over time, the spelling may have changed slightly, as names were often spelled differently based on the dialects and languages spoken in the area.
The Riegle surname is recorded widely in Germany and throughout Europe. Today, the families bearing the Riegle surname are found in North America, South America, Australia, and parts of Asia.
Riegle is also part of a broader family of surnames with the prefix “Rie” or “Rieger” that includes other variations such as Reiger, Reigle, and Rieger. It is a proud surname that reflects the spirit of German citizens who moved outside their native country in search of a better life.
Order DNA origin analysisRiegle: Where does the name Riegle come from?
The last name Riegle is most commonly found in the United States today. According to a 2020 analysis conducted by Ancestry.com, it is most commonly found in areas of Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, and Missouri.
Michigan is the state where the highest concentration of Riegle can be found. Throughout the state, the highest concentrations can be found in four Michigan counties: Ingham, Clinton, Livingston, and Washtenaw. About 70% of all Rieglers in the United States today live in Michigan.
In Wisconsin, the last name Riegle is not as common, but it is still found in several counties, including Clark, Dunn, and Monroe counties. In Texas, some of the counties where the name is most concentrated are Dallas, Ellis, and Brazos counties. The last name is also found in Missouri, mostly around the St. Louis area, and in Kansas, where it is concentrated around the counties of Johnson, Wyandotte, and Leavenworth.
Aside from the United States, people with the last name Riegle can also be found in additional countries such as Germany, France, Canada, England, and Luxembourg.
Variations of the surname Riegle
The surname Riegle, also spelled Riegal, Riegel, and Riogel, is of German origin. It comes from the Low German word "riegel," which means "rail," or "barrier."
The Riegle surname can be found in a variety of spellings in different languages, reflecting its international heritage. Variants of the surname include Reigel and Reigal in Germany, Reigel in Austria, Riegl in the Czech Republic, Rigolet in Spain, Réglé in France, Raygel in the United Kingdom, Reigles and Reigel in the United States and Canada, Riegal in South Africa, and Riogal in Portugal and Brazil.
Alternative spellings of Riegle include Reigel, Reigal, Riegel, Riegl, Rigolet, Réglé, Raygel, Reigles, Reigel, and Riogal.
Variants of the Riegle surname include Roegle, Roegel, Roegel, Roegell, Rogell, Rögel, Rögl, Rugel, Rugell, Rujel, Ruyell, Ryder, Rygel, Rygle, Rygler, Rigel, Riggle, Riggles, Rigall, Roeger, Ruggles, Ruggels, Reigels, Ragele, Ragell, Ragali, Ragel, and Rigla.
Many of these surnames are found throughout different countries, with the most common versions revolving around the original German spelling of Riegel.
Famous people with the name Riegle
- Donald W. Riegle Jr: U.S. Senator from Michigan, 1975-1995
- Stanley Riegle: American politician from Michigan
- Steven Riegle: Mayor of Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1993-1996
- Kristine Renee Riegle: American actress, voice actress, and musician
- Eric E. Riegle: Astronaut who flew aboard STS-42 in 1992
- Derek H. Riegle: Judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- Shannon Riegle: American ultra-distance runner
- Edward Riegle: American politician from Ohio
- Ruth Riegle: American silent film actress
- Lester E. Riegle: United States Army Medal of Honor recipient