Riefenstahl History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Riefenstahl

What does the name Riefenstahl mean?

The distinguished German surname Riefenstahl is derived from the Germanic personal name "Rief," which is itself a diminutive of the name "Rudolf." The surname means "son of Rief," and became a hereditary family name during the Middle Ages.

Early Origins of the Riefenstahl family

The surname Riefenstahl was first found in Berne, Switzerland, where the name came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society. It 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.

Early History of the Riefenstahl family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Riefenstahl research. Another 67 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Riefenstahl History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Riefenstahl Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Rieffer, Reiffer, Reiffern, Rieffern, Riefern, Riefer and many more.

Early Notables of the Riefenstahl family

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

Riefenstahl migration to the United States +

Riefenstahl Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Georg Conr Riefenstahl, who landed in America in 1835 1

Sources +

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)