Show ContentsRiach Surname History

Etymology of Riach

What does the name Riach mean?

The Scottish Riach surname comes from the Gaelic "riabhach," meaning "brindled," or "grayish;" as such, it was thought to have been a nickname for someone with streaks of gray or white hair. 1

Early Origins of the Riach family

The surname Riach was first found in Inverness, where one of the first records of the family was John Reoch, Burgess of Inverness in 1452. Part of the lands of Parcy or Parcyis were leased to Alan Reoch or Roeoch in 1463 and Robert Reauch and Finlay Reauch were tenants on lands of the bishopric of Aberdeen in 1511.

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Early History of the Riach family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Riach research. Another 127 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1452, 1514, 1530, 1539, 1544 and 1550 are included under the topic Early Riach History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Riach Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Reach, Reoch, Rioch, Riach, Riaech and others.

Early Notables of the Riach family

More information is included under the topic Early Riach Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Riach family to Ireland

Some of the Riach family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 30 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Riach migration to the United States +



Riach Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Alexander Riach, aged 29, who immigrated to America from Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1907
  • Peter Riach, aged 49, who immigrated to the United States from London, England, in 1907
  • William Riach, aged 33, who settled in America from East Calder, Scotland, in 1911
  • Emily Riach, aged 35, who landed in America from Glasgow, Scotland, in 1911
  • Frank Riach, aged 29, who immigrated to the United States from Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1912
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Riach migration to Canada +

Riach Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
  • Margaret Riach, aged 45, who settled in Vancouver, Canada, in 1919

Contemporary Notables of the name Riach (post 1700) +

  • Steve Riach (b. 1961), American filmmaker, television producer, writer and director
  • Ralph Riach (1936-2022), Scottish actor from Elgin, Moray, best known for his role as "John McIver" in BBC One Scotland's comedy/drama Hamish Macbeth


  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)


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