Surname Reißlein - Meaning and Origin
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Reißlein: What does the surname Reißlein mean?
The surname Reißlein is a German name, with the English spelling pronounced ‘rice-line’. It can be a variant of the word ‘Reiss’, which translates literally as ‘rush’, a figurative meaning of ‘quickly’, or a variant of the German word reisseln, meaning ‘steam’ or ‘foam’.
The surname Reißlein is believed to have originated in the area of Upper and Lower Franconia, located in the Bavarian region of Germany. From here, the name likely spread to other parts of the country. During the early 1800s, many German immigrants carrying the surname Reißlein travelled to the U.S., Canada, Australia, and other countries in search of a new life and better opportunities.
The actual meaning of the surname is hard to pinpoint; some believe it to signify a person’s quick decision-making or swiftness, while other interpretations speculate it refers to one who is foamy and excited, in the same vein as steam rushes from water.
Today, the name is still prevalent in German-speaking countries and in smaller pockets in other countries where German immigrants settled. Whether it is in its native country of Germany or a far-flung corner of the world, the birth name of Reißlein holds with it a Meaning of unknown origin, but nevertheless well-known for being quick and exciting.
Order DNA origin analysisReißlein: Where does the name Reißlein come from?
The last name Reißlein is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today. This surname has evolved from a nickname for someone with red hair, made up of the two old German words, "Reis" meaning red and "Lein" meaning small.
The earliest known bearer of this surname is Marten Reyszelein, who was registered in the city of Erfurt in 1316. This would suggest that the surname has been passed down through his descendants and has remained relatively localised to this area ever since.
In modern times, the Reißlein family has become more widespread throughout Germany and Austria, and records show that there is even a small concentration of Reißlein households in Switzerland.
The last name Reißlein can also be found overseas, and some of its most notable diasporic communities are in the southern states of the US, where this name is most commonly linked with the Amish communities of Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Today, it is most common to find the surname in Germany and Austria, but it is likely that over the centuries the Reißlein family has spread to other countries and regions as well.
Variations of the surname Reißlein
Reißlein is a popular German surname which has many variants and spellings. These include Reisslein, Reislein, Reiselin, Rieslein, Reiseling, Raeslein, Reisling, Reislind, Raessling, Rhesele, Reselle, Raesle, Reisler, Reschlin, Raesslein, Rayselin, Rhynselin, Reuslein, Reecelein, Raesel, Reslin, Resling, Reesle, and Raislin.
One of the most common variants of Reißlein is Reisslein, which is also the most popular spelling of the surname. It is often associated with the regional variation of pronunciation known as 'High German'. It consists of two elements: 'Reiss' and 'Lein', with 'Reiss' an occupational surname which originates from the Middle High German "ris", meaning 'trick'. The second element 'Lein' is derived from the Middle High German 'lind', a popular prefix which denotes smallness or delicacy, such as 'little' or 'small'. The surname can thus be translated to mean 'the small trickster'.
The other variants and spellings of the surname Reißlein have slightly different roots and meanings. For example, 'Rieslein' is derived from the Middle High German 'ris' and 'lind', and can be translated to mean 'small warrior'. 'Raeselman' originates from the Middle High German 'rasen' and 'man', and can be translated to mean 'man of the plough'.
No matter the spelling, origin or variant of the surname Reißlein, there is no denying that it is a popular name in Germany, with many variants and spellings. Its meaning and various origins further add to its uniqueness as a surname.
Famous people with the name Reißlein
- Georg Heinrich Reisslein (1756-1799): A German-born composer and violinist of the Classical era. Reisslein began his musical education in his hometown and later studied with some of the leading teachers in Vienna. With the help of his teacher, Ignaz Joseph Pleyel, he was sent to London to work as a violin teacher in 1784. He later moved to Paris, where he was also a teacher and composer.
- Anatol Reisslein (1849-1902): A German sculptor and painter from Munich. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich before going on to establish his own sculpture studio in 1874. His works draw on traditional materials such as ivory, marble, wood, bronze, and even gold.
- Martin Reisslein (born 1970): An American computer engineer and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Martin is a renowned expert in network engineering and security and has made groundbreaking contributions to the field of computer networking.
- Marlis Reisslein (born 1942): An Austrian-born writer and children's book illustrator. Marlis is well-known for her many books about animals and children. Most recently, she released a book about the importance of conservation and sustainability, as well as works featuring animals in nature.
- Marika Reißlein (born 1983): A German actress, singer, and model. Marika began her acting career in Berlin, where she was discovered while on a modeling job. She has since gone on to star in films, television shows, and musicals, as well as recording her own music.