Reichmann History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The German state of Bavaria is the ancestral home of the Reichmann family. Reichmann is a local name, first used as a surname for someone who lived in Bavaria, where the Reichmann 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 Reichmann family

The surname Reichmann 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 Reichmann family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Reichmann 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 Reichmann History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Reichmann Spelling Variations

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

Early Notables of the Reichmann family

Prominent among members of the name Reichmann in this period include

Theodor Reichmann (1849-1903), a German baritone from Rostock who joined the Vienna Opera in 1882, noted for his roles in Wagnerian Opera in Bayreuth

Reichmann migration to the United States +

European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Reichmanns to arrive in North America, and among them were:

Reichmann Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Johann Georg Reichmann went to Philadelphia in 1750
Michel Reichmann, who settled in America in 1783

Reichmann Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Georg Reichmann, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1803 1
Rudolf Reichmann, who arrived in Wisconsin in 1850 1
Konrad Reichmann, who landed in Mississippi in 1855 1
Peter Joseph Reichmann, who landed in South America in 1856 1
Nik Reichmann, who arrived in America in 1857 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Reichmann (post 1700) +

Eva Gabriele Reichmann (1897-1998), German Jewish historian and sociologist
Helmut Reichmann (1941-1992), German glider pilot
Albert Reichmann (1929-2022), Canadian businessman, one of five brothers who controlled the Reichmann business empire, one of Canada's 100 richest families
Paul Reichmann (1930-2013), Canadian businessman, best known for his leadership of the Olympia & York a real estate development company
Jean-Luc "Stéphane" Reichmann (b. 1960), French radio and television host
Josh Reichmann, Canadian indie rock singer-songwriter
Samuel Reichmann, progenitor of the Reichmanns, property developers based in Canada with holdings throughout the world including First Canadian Place in Toronto, and builders of Canary Wharf in London

Citations +

Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)