Surname Reling - Meaning and Origin
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Reling: What does the surname Reling mean?
The surname Reling is a toponymic surname which originates from German-speaking regions. The name Reling is derived from a Middle High German word which means "Rieseln". Rieseln is defined as a swift flow or torrent of a small stream.
It is believed that the Reling surname originated in the Middle Ages when a family of the same name settled in the region around modern Germany. This family would then have taken their name from the nearby stream that was torrential in nature; the surname was then passed down to future generations.
The Reling surname has since been used by people living in various parts of the world, including Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States.
In addition to its toponymic origins, the name Reling is also thought to have Jewish roots. It is thought that some people of Jewish descent adopted the name as part of their attempt to blend in with the rest of the population in Germany. As a result, the meaning of the name Reling can vary depending on the geographical origin of the bearer.
Overall, the surname Reling can provide insight into the familial and cultural roots of its bearer; it is a link to a place and a people in the distant past.
Order DNA origin analysisReling: Where does the name Reling come from?
The surname Reling is still common today, particularly amongst those of German descent. It is fairly widespread throughout Europe, especially in Germany, although there are also substantial numbers of people with the name in Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. In the United States, the surname Reling is less common, but still fairly widespread particularly in the midwest and particularly in Minnesota where there is a town called Reling.
In Germany, Reling is often derived from a contraction of the word ‘Röhling’, which is a nickname for a person with a large nose. This is probably why many German surnames that have this prefix are commonly linked to the Reling name. It can also be derived from the Middle Low German word “ranne” which means ‘to take refuge’. It is also sometimes derived from the Jewish name Rehling, which means ‘noble son of God’.
The Reling family has a long history, with records of the family reaching back all the way to the 1200s. The first family of the surname was first known to be living in Hannover during the 13th century. For the next few centuries, Reling families often held positions of leadership within their communities and churches. In modern times, Reling family names are still a recognizable part of German culture.
Variations of the surname Reling
The surname Reling can take on several different variants and spellings, including Reiling, Reilingen, Reilingh, Relynge, Relinga, Rheeling, and Rhielleng. Each of these versions of the surname can also take on different surnames of the same origin. Variations of the Reling surname may include Relan, Reilen, Reelman, Reelen, Reilingh, Reilunk, Relingo, Reilgen, Reilhing, Relingen, and Rellangen.
The Reling surname originated in Germany, likely originating from a location or people with the same name. The surname is derived from the middle high German word "rehling", translating to "woody" or "shelter in the forest". As a result, the family likely originated in a countryside setting, with some members living in the forest and taking on a surname relating to its living conditions.
Variants of the Reling surname also exist in other Germanic languages, including Dutch, Dutch Low Saxon, and Low German. In Dutch, the surname can be spelled as Relling, while in Dutch Low Saxon, Reiling applies. In Low German, the surname often takes on the spellings of Rehlink, Rehlenge, Rehlen, and Riehling, where the last two are also commonly found in East Frisia.
Variants of the Reling surname can also be found in England, where it may have originated from Anglo-Saxon immigrants to the country. Variations of the surname displayed in England include Reiling, Reeling, and Ryling.
Overall, the Reling surname has a variety of variants and spellings, each with a possible origin based on the country or language associated with it. The family likely originated in a forests or woodland setting, providing historical insight into the background of its members.
Famous people with the name Reling
- Erich Reling (1902-1943), German Nazi Sturmbannführer and commander of Einsatzgruppe A during World War II.
- Christian Reling (born 1966), German former professional footballer.
- Edward de LaPOLE, RELING (1702-1707), English peer and soldier.
- Johann Ernst RELING (1564-1622), German Lutheran church musician and theologian.
- Guillermo Reling Falcón (born 1962) Nicaraguan actor and film director.
- Ole Christian Reling (1906-1977), Norwegian-Chinese civil servant and diplomat.
- August Reling (1853-1942), German naturalist and zoologist.
- Tessa Reling (born 1999), German professional freestyle skier.
- Daniel Reling (born 1986), German professional footballer.
- Gerd Reling (born 1938), German draughts grandmaster.