Origin & Meaning of the Reif Surname
What does the last name Reif mean?
The surname Reif carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,381 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Reif ranks as the #9,611 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Reif come from?
The Reif surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Reif name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Reif trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Reif |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #9,611 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,381 |
| Per 100K People | 1.15 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Reif
According to the US Census, the Reif surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,381 Americans with the Reif last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.78% |
| Black | 2.66% |
| Hispanic | 2.25% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.44% |
| Native American | 0.47% |
| Two or More Races | 1.39% |
Popularity of Reif Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Reif surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Reif surname increased by 78 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Reif Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Reif ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Reif Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Reif
- ✓ The Reif coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Reif families live today
- ✓ Notable Reif bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Reif
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Reif.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Reif.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reif
Top Surnames Starting with R
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter R, ranked by population.
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