Reichert History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The surname Reichert 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. Reichert 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 Reichert family

The surname Reichert 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 Reichert family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Reichert research. Another 160 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1560, 1733, 1749, 1752 and 1814 are included under the topic Early Reichert History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Reichert Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Reichert include Reichhard, Reichhart, Reichard, Reichart, Reichardt, Reickhard, Reichheart, Reikhard, Reickhart, Richard, Reichert and many more.

Early Notables of the Reichert family

Prominent among members of the name Reichert in this period include Johann Friedrich Reichardt (1752-1814), who was the court composer and conductor to Frederick the Great and Frederick II, and...
Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Reichert Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Reichert Ranking

In the United States, the name Reichert is the 3,611^st most popular surname with an estimated 7,461 people with that name. 1

Reichert migration to the United States +

European 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 Reicherts to arrive in North America, and among them were:

Reichert Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Rudolph Reichert, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1732 2
Jacob Reichert, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1751 2
Gottfried Reichert, who landed in America in 1752 2
Martin Reichert, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1752 2

Reichert Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Sebastian Reichert, who arrived in St Clair County, Illinois in 1844 2
Lorenz Reichert, who arrived in St Clair County, Illinois in 1844 2
Mattes Reichert, who landed in Illinois in 1847 2
Carolina Reichert, who arrived in New York, NY in 1850 2
Louisa Reichert, aged 27, who arrived in New York in 1854 2
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Reichert Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Joseph Reichert, who landed in Arkansas in 1906 2

Contemporary Notables of the name Reichert (post 1700) +

Julia Reichert (1946-2022), American Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, activist, and feminist, co-founder of New Day Films, two-time Primetime Emmy winner, a two-time nominee of the Peabody Award,
Marcus Reichert (b. 1948), American artist, author, photographer, and film writer/director
David George Reichert (b. 1950), American politician and the former sheriff of King County, Washington
Robert George Chase Reichert (b. 1921), American prominent architect, organist, and educator
Walter S. Reichert, American Republican politician, Candidate for Kentucky State Senate 34th District, 1973 3
Robert Reichert (b. 1948), American Democratic Party politician, Member of Georgia State House of Representatives 126th District, 1993-2002; Mayor of Macon, Georgia, 2008- 3
Randall Reichert, American politician, Candidate in primary for Mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska, 1999 3
Manson L. Reichert (1893-1978), American Republican politician, Road contractor; real estate developer; Chair of Vanderburgh County Republican Party, 1942-44; Mayor of Evansville, Indiana, 1943-48 3
John C. Reichert, American politician, Candidate for New York State Assembly from Oneida County 2nd District, 1935 3
David G. Reichert (b. 1950), American Republican politician, U.S. Representative from Washington, 2005- 3
... (Another 4 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Reichert family +

Bismarck

Karl-Heinrich Reichert (1924-1941), German Matrose who served aboard the German Battleship Bismarck during World War II when it was sunk heading to France; he died in the sinking 4

Citations +

"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 8) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
Bismarck & Tirpitz Class - Crew List Bismarck. (Retrieved 2018, February 06). Retrieved from https://www.bismarck-class.dk/bismarck/crew/bismarck_crew.html#crew_details