Ritzke History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Ritzke

What does the name Ritzke mean?

The name may be of patronymic origin, derived from the first name of the father. The name Ritzke would indicate the "son of Ritzke," a pet form of either Richard or Heinrich. The personal name Richard is derived from the Old High German word "rihhi" meaning power or rule, and "hardus" meaning hard, brave, or strong. Heinrich comes from either the Old High German word "hagan" meaning enclosure or hedged in place or "heim or haim" meaning home or settlement. The second part derived from "rihhi." The name may also be of locative origin, from a geographical feature near where the bearer once lived or held land. The toponym Ritzke is derived from the Old High German word "hriot" meaning reeds, and thus the name would indicate "one who dwelled near a reedy or swampy place.

Early Origins of the Ritzke family

The surname Ritzke was first found in Bavaria, where the name was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. They branched into many houses, and their contributions were sought by many leaders in their search for power. The earliest record of the surname Ritzke dates back to the thirteenth century when one Marquard Rizi was recorded in Lindau in 1276. In 1385 one Jakob Ritsch was living in Nydau and Joh. Ritzi was a choirmaster in Constance in 1423.

Early History of the Ritzke family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ritzke research. Another 117 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1604 and 1826 are included under the topic Early Ritzke History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ritzke Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Ritz, Ritzel, Ritzenberg, Ritze, Ritzen, Ritzer and many more.

Early Notables of the Ritzke family

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

Migration of the Ritzke family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: settlers who traveled to the New World and established themselves along the eastern seaboard of the United States in Canada in the 18th and 19th centuries..