Show ContentsRieffer History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The distinguished German surname Rieffer is derived from the Germanic personal name "Rief," which is itself a diminutive of the name "Rudolf." The surname means "son of Rief," and became a hereditary family name during the Middle Ages.

Early Origins of the Rieffer family

The surname Rieffer was first found in Berne, Switzerland, where the name came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society. It 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.

Early History of the Rieffer family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rieffer research. Another 67 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Rieffer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rieffer Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Rieffer, Reiffer, Reiffern, Rieffern, Riefern, Riefer and many more.

Early Notables of the Rieffer family

Notables of the time with the surname Rieffer were

  • the Rieffer family of Berne, Switzerland


United States Rieffer migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Rieffer Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Matthias Arnold Rieffer, who was on record in North America in 1768
  • Johannes Rieffer, who settled in North America in 1778


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