Reichartz History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe surname Reichartz is a Bavarian nickname surname. German nicknames came from eke-names, or added names, and tended to describe a physical characteristic or other attribute of their initial bearer. Reichartz is a name for a brave or strong person. It is a common name among the English, French, and Flemish/Dutch communities, as well as the German, and stems from the words ric, meaning power, and hard, meaning hardy or strong. Early Origins of the Reichartz familyThe surname Reichartz was first found in Bavaria, where the name became noted for its many branches within the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied and enrolled by the princes of the region. The literal meaning of the name is "brave ruler," and chronicles first mention Hantsch Richard of Liegnitz in 1381, and Hans Reichart of Friedland in 1381. In their later history the name became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into this most influential family. Early History of the Reichartz familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Reichartz research. Another 160 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1560, 1733, 1749, 1752 and 1814 are included under the topic Early Reichartz History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Reichartz Spelling VariationsIn the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Reichartz include Reichhard, Reichhart, Reichard, Reichart, Reichardt, Reickhard, Reichheart, Reikhard, Reickhart, Richard, Reichert and many more. Early Notables of the Reichartz familyProminent among members of the name Reichartz in this period include Johann Friedrich Reichardt (1752-1814), who was the court composer and conductor to Frederick the Great and Frederick II, and... Migration of the Reichartz familyThousands of German settlers came to North America between the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries. The hardships of the long voyage were balanced by the opportunity to escape poverty and religious persecution. The descendents of these settlers still populate the states of Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many also live in Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Reichartz or a variant listed above: Joseph Reichardt, who sailed to New York in 1709. Among the many other immigrants to follow this first settler were: Reinhart Reichart, who sailed to Philadelphia in 1732.
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