Show ContentsReigle History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The roots of the distinguished German surname Reigle lie in the southern regions of Swabia, Bavaria, and Austria. The name is derived from the Middle High German words "reigel" or "reiger," both meaning "heron." The name was likely first bestowed on someone thought to have the characteristics of a heron as a nickname, eventually becoming a hereditary surname.

Early Origins of the Reigle family

The surname Reigle was first found in Swabia, where the name is thought to have originated. The documents listing the earliest known bearer of the name have been traced to this region, where B. den Raiger was recorded to be living in Mengen, Württemburg in 1275. The young Reigle family was instrumental during this early period, playing a crucial role in the development of medieval Swabian society.

Early History of the Reigle family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Reigle research. Another 128 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1275, 1493, 1525, 1660 and 1719 are included under the topic Early Reigle History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Reigle Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Reigel, Reigle, Reiger, Reigl and others.

Early Notables of the Reigle family

More information is included under the topic Early Reigle Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Reigle family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Anty Reigel, who settled in Philadelphia in 1737; as did Georg Reiger in 1754; Carolina Reiger, who came to Baltimore in 1832; Ludwig Reigel, who was naturalized in Philadelphia in 1852.


Contemporary Notables of the name Reigle (post 1700) +

  • Daniel P. Reigle (1841-1917), Union Army soldier during the American Civil War who received the Medal of Honor for gallantry during the Battle of Cedar Creek
  • Edmund "Ed" Reigle (1924-2003), Canadian professional NHL ice hockey player from Winnipeg, Manitoba who played 17 games for the Boston Bruins


Houseofnames.com on Facebook