Surname Reager - Meaning and Origin

Reager: What does the surname Reager mean?

The last name Reager is of German origin, and is quite rare in Europe. The original family originated in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany, likely from a place called Reger. It is thought to be derived from the German verb "reagen," which means “to react.” It is likely that the Reager family had a strong sense of purpose and focus, reacting quickly and efficiently in difficult times.

The spelling of the name has changed over the centuries, from Reger to Regerin to Reager. Those with the last name Reager today are most likely descendants of these German immigrants. This family probably immigrated to the US during the 18th or 19th centuries, like many other German families.

Today, Reager is still a small and uncommon surname in the United States, but many of the Reager descendants have gone on to be successful in their fields. From soldiers, to engineers, to lawyers, to educators, the Reagers have made their mark in the American way of life. It is a proud heritage, steeped in hard work and dedication.

When one hears the last name Reager, they are reminded of a proud German heritage and of hard work and determination. Those with the last name Reager can be proud of their heritage and continue to uphold the values of their ancestors, who worked diligently to create a better life for themselves in a strange new land.

Reager: Where does the name Reager come from?

The last name Reager is commonly found around the world today, typically in areas with people of German descent. The most common countries with people who carry the Reager name are the United States, Canada, Germany, and Australia.

In the United States, the Reager name is most commonly found in the states of Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. Historically, these states are known as German settlements as the first German immigrants arrived in Pennsylvania during the 1700s. After this, many German families moved to expand their settlement across the United States, including the Reagers.

In Canada, the Reager name is predominantly found in the provinces of Ontario and Alberta. Many German immigrants moved to Canada during the mid-1800s, gradually establishing larger populations in these two areas.

Germany is the country with the highest population of Reagers, understandably due to it being the origin of this particular last name. However, the last name is also found in Australia, primarily in the states of Victoria and New South Wales. Most of the Reagers that live Down Under are descendants of passengers from Tenacious, a brig that left from Bremen, Germany in 1857 and settled in Victoria.

Overall, the Reager name has spread fairly well across the globe. It's most prominently found in the United States, Canada, Germany, and Australia but may also be found in other areas of the world with populations of German descent.

Variations of the surname Reager

There are several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the last name Reager. The most common variants of Reager are Reeger, Reigert, Reigart, and Reigerts. Less common variants include Rigert, Reiger, Reegher, and Reigar.

The Reager surname is typically found in Germany and is derived from the Middle High German word ‘refger’, which itself derived from the High German word ‘referger’. The meaning of the Middle High German word ‘Refger’ is “villager” and the meaning of the High German word ‘referger’ is “horseman”.

Marriages with related surnames, as well as changes of spelling over time, were common occurrences during the Middle Ages. As a result, it is not uncommon to find variants of the same surnames throughout Europe.

The names Reigert and Reigart are German-Dutch variants that have the same derivation as the Reager surname. Rigert is a Norwegian variant of the surname and Reiger is a Dutch variant. Reegher and Reigar are believed to be variants of the Reager surname that may also derive from Dutch German.

In some instances, one surname may evolve into several related surnames over time. This could explain why there are many variants of the surname Reiger that exist today. It is also possible that the variants represent immigrants that came from different origins and chose to adopt the same surname as their own.

Famous people with the name Reager

• Bryce Reager: American actor and stuntman.
• Paul Reager: American writer and producer.
• John Reager: American politician and military officer.
• William Reager: American lawyer and politician from Pennsylvania.
• Charles Reager: American film and television director.
• Ralph Reager: American politician and military officer.
• Matthew Reager: American singer-songwriter.
• Deborah Reager: American author and radio host.
• Mary Ann Reager: American philanthropist.
• Dave Reager: American television producer and executive.
• Jeff Reager: American country music artist and former frontman of the band Alabama.
• Robert Reager: American composer and conductor.
• Edward Reager: American essayist, novelist, and playwright.
• Brandon Reager: American songwriter and producer.
• Dennis Reager: American civil rights activist and pastor.
• Katherine Reager: American philanthropist and women’s rights advocate.
• Charles Reager, Jr.: American actor and stuntman.
• Terrance Reager: American broadcast news journalist.
• Katherine Reager-King: American poet and children’s author.
• Kelly Ann Reager: American artist.

Other surnames

Reagel