Risser History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The origin of the proud surname Risser can be traced to the historic kingdom of Bohemia, which is now part of the Czech Republic. In the Middle Ages, many of the Bohemians were a part of the Holy Roman Empire, which was characterized by the Feudal System. Before this era, people were known only by a single name. However, as the population increased and travel became more prevalent, it became necessary for people to adopt a second name to identify themselves. Many people, such as the Risser family, adopted the name of their feudal occupation as their surname. The name goes back to the mediaeval German "ris" or "risle," which meant literally "branch" or "twig,"and the surname was an occupational name for a wood carver.

Early Origins of the Risser family

The surname Risser was first found in Bohemia, where the name came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society. They 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. Chronicles first mention Clesse Reysse of Mainz in 1444, and Leonhart Reiser of Nuremberg in 1443. The name goes back to the mediaeval German "ris" or "risle," which meant literally "branch" or "twig." Reisser could also refer to a wood carver.

Early History of the Risser family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Risser research. Another 140 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1505, 1606, 1645, 1870, 1897 and 1940 are included under the topic Early Risser History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Risser Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Reis, Reisle (Bavaria, Swabia), Reiss, Reisse, Riess, Ries, Reise, Reisz, Reiser, Reisser, Riser, Reysse, Reys, Reyss, Rice, Ris, Risse, Rise, Risle and many more.

Early Notables of the Risser family

Another 44 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Risser Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Risser migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Risser Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Philip Risser, aged 27, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1753 1

Risser Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Marie Risser, aged 1, who landed in New York, NY in 1832 1
Johann Risser, who arrived in New York in 1832 1
Katharina Risser, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1832 1
Abraham Risser, aged 11, who landed in New York, NY in 1832 1
Catharine Risser, aged 42, who arrived in New York, NY in 1832 1
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Risser (post 1700) +

Fred E. Risser (1900-1971), American lawyer and politician, Member of the Wisconsin State Senate
Fred A. Risser (b. 1927), American politician, President of the Wisconsin Senate (2012-2013), Member of the Wisconsin Senate (1962-)
Wilko Rudi Risser (b. 1982), Namibian footballer
Oliver Hanjorge Risser (b. 1980), Namibian international footballer

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)