Reichhart History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The surname Reichhart is a Bavarian nickname surname. German nicknames came from eke-names, or added names, and tended to describe a physical characteristic or other attribute of their initial bearer. Reichhart is a name for a brave or strong person. It is a common name among the English, French, and Flemish/Dutch communities, as well as the German, and stems from the words ric, meaning power, and hard, meaning hardy or strong.

Early Origins of the Reichhart family

The surname Reichhart 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 literal meaning of the name is "brave ruler," and chronicles first mention Hantsch Richard of Liegnitz in 1381, and Hans Reichart of Friedland in 1381. In their later history the name became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into this most influential family.

Early History of the Reichhart family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Reichhart research. Another 160 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1560, 1733, 1749, 1752 and 1814 are included under the topic Early Reichhart History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Reichhart 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 Reichhart include Reichhard, Reichhart, Reichard, Reichart, Reichardt, Reickhard, Reichheart, Reikhard, Reickhart, Richard, Reichert and many more.

Early Notables of the Reichhart family

Prominent among members of the name Reichhart in this period include Johann Friedrich Reichardt (1752-1814), who was the court composer and conductor to Frederick the Great and Frederick II, and...
Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Reichhart Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Reichhart 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 Reichhart or a variant listed above:

Reichhart Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Michael Reichhart, who landed in Philadelphia 1740