| ![Show Contents]() Risner History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Germany Bavaria, Germany is the ancestral home of the Risner family. The Germans began using hereditary surnames in the 12th century. Risner is an occupational name, which was derived from the kind of work done by the original bearer. It is a name for a wood carver. Checking further we found the name was derived from the medieval German word ris or risle, which means branch or twig. Furthermore, there are numerous places in Germany named Reisen. There is a town called Reisen in Bavaria and a town Reissen in Thuringia. Early Origins of the Risner familyThe surname Risner 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 name may have its origin, or the family may have lent its name to the town Reisen in Bavaria and the town Reissen in Thuringia. Chronicles first mention Hanke von Reysen of Glatz in 1348, and the name Reisner is found in 1348 in Bruenn, 1386 in Kolion, and 1383 in Wuerzburg. The variation Reyssener is found in Freiberg as early as 1465. In their later history the various branches became a powers unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as their influence grew. Early History of the Risner familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Risner research. Another 128 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1533, 1580, 1653, 1680, 1725, 1752 and 1816 are included under the topic Early Risner History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Risner 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 Risner include Reisner, Reisener, Reissner, Reissener, Reisne, Reisen, Reissen, Reissne, Reysner, Reyssner, Reysener, Reyssener, Risener and many more. Early Notables of the Risner familyProminent among members of the name Risner in this period include - Friedrich Risner (c.1533-1580), German mathematician, the first to propose the idea of a portable camera obscura; Lieutenant Field-Marshal Reisner, who was awarded the title of Baron in 1816 for his 4...
Risner RankingIn the United States, the name Risner is the 7,306th most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. [1]
 Risner migration to the United States | + |
Thousands 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 Risner or a variant listed above:
Risner Settlers in United States in the 18th Century- Tobias Risner who arrived in Maryland in 1763
Risner Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- Henry Clay Risner, aged 38, who settled in Baltimore, in 1904
- Woitech Risner, aged 42, who immigrated to the United States from Bietz, in 1907
- Perl Risner, aged 50, who settled in America from Odessa, Russia, in 1908
- Katarzyna Risner, aged 17, who landed in America from Dobra, Galicia, in 1910
- Gyorgy Risner, aged 25, who immigrated to the United States from Kislonkos, Hungary, in 1911
- ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
| Contemporary Notables of the name Risner (post 1700) | + |
- Chris Risner, American producer, best known for his work on 46 episodes of the series Person of Interest (2013-2016)
- Brigadier General James Robinson "Robbie" Risner (b. 1925), American general officer and fighter pilot, double recipient of the Air Force Cross the highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Air Force [2]
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Risner migration to the United States 
