Rechman History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The Rechman family name first began to be used in the German state of Bavaria. After the 12th century, as hereditary surnames began to be adopted, names that were derived from locations became particularly common. The family name Rechman is a local surname. Originally denoting the proprietorship of an estate or influence within a village, the German preposition von, which means from or of, used with local names, was taken as a mark of aristocracy. The surname Rechman was given to someone who lived in Bavaria, where the Rechman family achieved distinction for its contribution to the region's medieval society. This surname was a nickname surname, and derived from the German words, reich, which means rich, and mann, which means man. Thus, the bearer of this name was known for his material wealth, or perhaps because he behaved in a princely or regal manner.

Early Origins of the Rechman family

The surname Rechman was first found in Bavaria, where the name was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. They branched into many houses, and their contributions were sought by many leaders in their search for power. Chronicles first mention Hatnel Richman in 1380, and one Richmannus of Bremen in 1382.

Early History of the Rechman family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rechman research. Another 176 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1642, 1702, 1703, 1715, 1737, 1744, 1777, 1849, 1882 and 1903 are included under the topic Early Rechman History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rechman 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 Rechman include Reichmann, Reichman, Reichmen, Richmann, Richman, Richmen, Reichmanner, Reichmaenner, Richmanner, Richmaenner, Rickman, Rickmen, Reychman, Reychmann and many more.

Early Notables of the Rechman family

Prominent among members of the name Rechman in this period include Theodor Reichmann (1849-1903), a German baritone from Rostock who joined the Vienna Opera in 1882...
Another 26 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Rechman Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rechman migration to the United States +

The great European flow of migration to North America, which began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century, was particularly attractive to those from Bavaria who wished to escape either poverty or religious persecution. For many Bavarian tenant farmers, the chance to own their own land was a major incentive. So the widespread colonization of the United States began in 1650, when many immigrants from Germany settled in pockets in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. In Canada, German settlement centered in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Among those of this surname listed in various historical records were:

Rechman Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Christian Rechman went to Philadelphia in 1839