Reisz History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The origin of the proud surname Reisz can be traced to the historic kingdom of Bohemia, which is now part of the Czech Republic. In the Middle Ages, many of the Bohemians were a part of the Holy Roman Empire, which was characterized by the Feudal System. Before this era, people were known only by a single name. However, as the population increased and travel became more prevalent, it became necessary for people to adopt a second name to identify themselves. Many people, such as the Reisz family, adopted the name of their feudal occupation as their surname. The name goes back to the mediaeval German "ris" or "risle," which meant literally "branch" or "twig,"and the surname was an occupational name for a wood carver.

Early Origins of the Reisz family

The surname Reisz was first found in Bohemia, where the name came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society. They later became more prominent as many branches of the same house acquired distant estates and branches, some in foreign countries, always elevating their social status by their great contributions to society. Chronicles first mention Clesse Reysse of Mainz in 1444, and Leonhart Reiser of Nuremberg in 1443. The name goes back to the mediaeval German "ris" or "risle," which meant literally "branch" or "twig." Reisser could also refer to a wood carver.

Early History of the Reisz family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Reisz research. Another 140 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1505, 1606, 1645, 1870, 1897 and 1940 are included under the topic Early Reisz History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Reisz Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Reis, Reisle (Bavaria, Swabia), Reiss, Reisse, Riess, Ries, Reise, Reisz, Reiser, Reisser, Riser, Reysse, Reys, Reyss, Rice, Ris, Risse, Rise, Risle and many more.

Early Notables of the Reisz family

Another 44 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Reisz Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Reisz family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Michel Reiser, who sailed to England and.or America in 1709. Among the many other settlers to follow this first immigrant were: Ulrick Riser, who sailed to Philadelphia in 1727.

Contemporary Notables of the name Reisz (post 1700) +

Karel Reisz (b. 1922), English noted film director who was born in Czechoslovakia, ("The French Lieutenant's Woman," 1981)