Risener History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Risener

What does the name Risener mean?

Bavaria, Germany is the ancestral home of the Risener family. The Germans began using hereditary surnames in the 12th century. Risener is an occupational name, which was derived from the kind of work done by the original bearer. It is a name for a wood carver. Checking further we found the name was derived from the medieval German word ris or risle, which means branch or twig. Furthermore, there are numerous places in Germany named Reisen. There is a town called Reisen in Bavaria and a town Reissen in Thuringia.

Early Origins of the Risener family

The surname Risener 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 name may have its origin, or the family may have lent its name to the town Reisen in Bavaria and the town Reissen in Thuringia. Chronicles first mention Hanke von Reysen of Glatz in 1348, and the name Reisner is found in 1348 in Bruenn, 1386 in Kolion, and 1383 in Wuerzburg. The variation Reyssener is found in Freiberg as early as 1465. In their later history the various branches became a powers unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as their influence grew.

Early History of the Risener family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Risener research. Another 128 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1533, 1580, 1653, 1680, 1725, 1752 and 1816 are included under the topic Early Risener History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Risener Spelling Variations

One can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Risener include Reisner, Reisener, Reissner, Reissener, Reisne, Reisen, Reissen, Reissne, Reysner, Reyssner, Reysener, Reyssener, Risener and many more.

Early Notables of the Risener family

Friedrich Risner (c.1533-1580), German mathematician, the first to propose the idea of a portable camera obscura; Lieutenant Field-Marshal Reisner, who was awarded the title of Baron in 1816 for his 40 years of outstanding service in the artillery divisions in Vienna. The variation Reissen was represented by a family that came from the Palatinate into Bavaria and were ennobled under Maximilian I. Of...
Another 62 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Risener Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Risener 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 Riseners to arrive in North America, and among them were: Hans Michel Reisner, who sailed to Philadelphia in 1732; Wilhelm Reysner, who sailed to Philadelphia in 1738; Michel Reisener, whose Oath of Allegiance was recorded in Pennsylvania in 1749.