Reikert History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Reikert

What does the name Reikert mean?

The surname Reikert 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. Reikert 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 Reikert family

The surname Reikert 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 Reikert family

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

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

Early Notables of the Reikert 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 Reikert Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Reikert migration to the United States +

German settlers were among the most common to come to North America between the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries. Poverty and religious persecution drove many Bavarians to make this long trek. tenant farmers were also enticed by the prospect of owning land. From east to west, these German immigrants populated the United States, settling in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada also provided homes to many. Early settlers bearing the Reikert surname or a spelling variation of the name include:

Reikert Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

John Reikert went to Philadelphia in 1848