Reiter History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:

Germany

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The Reiter surname is derived from the Middle High German word "rîter," which means "horseback rider" or "knight." It is thus likely that the first people to adopt this as a surname were either knights or descendants of knights.

Early Origins of the Reiter family

The surname Reiter was first found in Austria, where this family became a prominent contributor to the development of the district from ancient times. Chronicles first mention Johann and Heinrich Riter of Ravensberg in 1326, Joerg Reiterer of Tirol in 1538, and Nicolaus Reyterer of Bruenn in 1365. The literal meaning of the word is "horseman," and is also related to the word "Ritter" which means "knight." Always prominent in social affairs, the name became an integral part of that turbulent region as it emerged to form alliances with other families within the Feudal System and the nation.

Early History of the Reiter family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Reiter research. Another 82 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1792 is included under the topic Early Reiter History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Reiter Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Reiter, Reitter, Reither, Reitther, Reitterer, Reiter, Reiterer, Reyterer, Reyter, Reitel and many more.

Early Notables of the Reiter family

During this period prominent bearers of the name Reiter were

Anton Reiter, of the Reiter von Reitersfeld family, who was a lieutenant general in the Austrian army and was awarded the title of nobility in 1792 for his outstanding service

Reiter Ranking

In the United States, the name Reiter is the 2,957^th most popular surname with an estimated 9,948 people with that name. 1 However, in France, the name Reiter is ranked the 6,804^th most popular surname with an estimated 1,000 - 1,500 people with that name. 2

Reiter migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Reiter Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Henrig Reiter, who arrived in New York in 1709 3
Mattys Reiter, who arrived in New York in 1709 3
Samuel Reiter, who landed in New York in 1709 3
Susanna Reiter, who arrived in America in 1732 3
Simon Reiter, (b.1707), who arrived in Georgia in 1734 aboard the ship "Purysburg" 3
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Reiter Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Magdalen Reiter, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1803 3
Geroge Reiter, aged 33, who arrived in Missouri in 1840 3
Theres Reiter, who landed in North America in 1850 3
Christiane Reiter, aged 26, who landed in New York in 1854 3
Christine Reiter, who arrived in New York in 1854 3
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Reiter Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Vendelin Reiter, aged 26, who arrived in New York, NY in 1900 3
Susan Reiter, aged 23, who landed in New York, NY in 1900 3
Leonard Reiter, who arrived in Arkansas in 1905 3
John Reiter, who landed in Arkansas in 1906 3

Reiter migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Reiter Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr. Julius Reiter, (b. 1850), aged 22, Scandinavian farm labourer travelling from Hamburg aboard the ship "Palmerston" arriving in Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 12th December 1872 4

Contemporary Notables of the name Reiter (post 1700) +

Charles "Charlie" Reiter (b. 1988), American professional soccer player
Eugene Anthony Reiter, American vice-president of the 1st Vermont Bank, Church Falls, Va. (1964-)
William Martin Reiter, distinguished American chemical engineer
Virgil Reiter, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Indiana, 1912 5
Julius J. Reiter (b. 1869), American politician, Mayor of Rochester, Minnesota, 1907-09, 1917-19, 1923-25, 1931-35; Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Minnesota, 1912, 1916 5
George Reiter, American politician, Candidate for U.S. Representative from Texas 25th District, 2002 5
Frances L. Reiter, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate for U.S. Representative from New York 15th District, 1990; Presidential Elector for New York, 1992, 1996 5
Ambrose M. Reiter, American politician, Village President of Skokie, Illinois, 1960 5
A. G. Reiter, American politician, Candidate for Minnesota State Senate 27th District, 1942 5
Markus Reiter (b. 1976), German football manager
... (Another 9 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)