Reicharz History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Reicharz

What does the name Reicharz mean?

The surname Reicharz 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. Reicharz 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 Reicharz family

The surname Reicharz 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 Reicharz family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Reicharz research. Another 160 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1560, 1733, 1749, 1751, 1752, 1758, 1788, 1814, 1828, 1837 and 1848 are included under the topic Early Reicharz History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

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

Early Notables of the Reicharz family

Johann Friedrich Reichardt (1752-1814), who was the court composer and conductor to Frederick the Great and Frederick II, and was a friend of Goethe's. He instituted many reforms, was dismissed for sympathizing with the French revolution, and went on to write twelve operas and over one hundred songs. Johanne Wilhelmine Siegmundine Reichard (1788-1848) née Schmidt, was a German aeronaut who was the first...
Another 62 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Reicharz Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Reicharz family

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 Reicharzs to arrive in North America, and among them were: Joseph Reichardt, who sailed to New York in 1709. Among the many other immigrants to follow this first settler were: Reinhart Reichart, who sailed to Philadelphia in 1732.