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![Show Contents]() Rad Surname History
- Origins Available:
 Germany
Bavaria, Germany is the ancestral home of the Rad family. The Germans began using hereditary surnames in the 12th century. Rad is an occupational name, which was derived from the kind of work done by the original bearer. It is a name for a wheelmaker or wheelwright. The name stems from the German noun rat, meaning wheel. The origin is more clear in the variant "Rademacher." Early Origins of the Rad familyThe surname Rad was first found in Bavaria, where the name was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. Chronicles first mention Cuncz Redler in 1259 in Iglau, Hans Redel and A. Radel of Bohemia in 1407, Johann Radler of Znaim in 1420, and the knight Goslaus von Redern in 1292 near Neisse. Often the name was associated with work involving mills, but might also stemm from wheel makers (thus the old variation "Rademacher"). From the earliest times, though, it was widespread and not restricted to a profession. The name branched into many houses whose contributions were sought by many leaders in their search for power. Early History of the Rad familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rad research. Another 213 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1278, 1549, 1716 and 1731 are included under the topic Early Rad History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Rad Spelling VariationsOne can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Rad include Rad, Raed, Raeder, Rehder, Redder, Rader, Raders, Rade, Radder, Redler, Redl, Raedler, Redler, Radl, Rademacher, Radenmacher and many more. Early Notables of the Rad familyAnother 30 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Rad Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Rad familyEuropean migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Rads to arrive in North America, and among them were: Thomas Raed, who came to Virginia in 1656. Christian Raeder arrived in Philadelphia in 1844; as did Jacob Raeder, and they were preceded by Philip Raeder in 1842. Hans Jerig Reder came to Philadelphia in 1727.
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