Surname Reukauff - Meaning and Origin
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Reukauff: What does the surname Reukauff mean?
The last name Reukauff is of German origin and originates from the Middle High German word "ruodekeuffe," which itself is a combination of the Old German "ruod" and "kauffe," both of which mean "harrying" or "dog drive."
This suggests that the Reukauff family was likely involved in herding and selling sheep or cattle, and that this was likely their occupational occupation centuries ago.
It is likely that the Reukauff family originated in the Rhineland/Ruhr region of Germany, and as their name travelled around the world, other spellings of the name evolved, such as Reukoff, Reukeoff, Reukeauff, and Reukerhoff.
Those with the Reukauff last name have a proud German heritage, and many of them today trace their roots back to areas such as Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Lower Saxony - all of which are are located in the southern part of the country.
Today, the Reukauff name is relatively rare, but its message of hard work and trade is something that still resounds in the minds of those who wish to pass down their family's name and heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisReukauff: Where does the name Reukauff come from?
The surname Reukauff is most commonly found in the United States today. It is derived from the German reukaufen, meaning to trade or barter. It is less common among the German-speaking population than it is in other countries.
Research indicates that there are currently over 3,600 people with this last name living in the United States. Major population centers for the Reukauff name are in the Midwestern and Western states. Illinois and Missouri are believed to be the states with the largest concentrations of Reukauffs, followed somewhat closely by California and Texas.
The surnames Reukauff, Rukauff, Reukofer, and Rawkaf are also closely associated with the Reukauff name. Variations on this surname can be found primarily in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Wisconsin. These states also appear to have a relatively high concentration of people with this last name.
The Germanic origin of the Reukauff surname suggests that the first people with this name might have hailed from Germany. As the surname spread through immigration to other countries, including the US, it has become more common among descendants of German immigrants.
Overall, the Reukauff family has become well-established in the United States, though its prevalence varies in different parts of the country. The common practice of anglicizing surnames may explain why its usage has changed and in some cases dropped significantly since European immigration to the new world.
Variations of the surname Reukauff
The surname Reukauff is found among many cultures, originating from Germany and Bavaria. It is thought to be of Germanic or Dutch origin related to the personal name Rupert. This is a name derived from the High German word "hrôp" which means famous and "walt" which means powerful ruler. Similar surnames include such variations as Rueckeoff, Reukeoff, Ruecoff, Ruckauf, Ruckeoff, Roakauff, Rueckhoff, Ruchhoff, Rutkoff, Rookeoff, Rickoff, Requack, Ruckwied, Ruebb, Rickauf, Reuckauf, Reikoff, Reicoff, Riakoff, Reecoff, Reickeoff, Reichkoff, Reckoff, Reichoff, Rieckauf, and Reekauff.
The surname is a combination of two words: the first part is derived from the Middle High German root word rewe, meaning counsel or advice. The second part of the surname may be derived from Old High German houbit, meaning head or leader. This could also be derived from the Middle High German zeucken meaning ‘to raise,’ as in to rise up.
The variations of the surname can be spelled in numerous ways depending on the country of origin. Common spellings include Riekauf, Riekoff, Reikowf, Reekauff, Reekof, Reikow, Reikowff, Reikauf, Reikauff, Reekoff, Riekowf, Reucoff, and Reuckauf.
The surname exists also in various related forms such as Reucoff, Reikhof, Riecoff, Reicoff, Riikauf, Rikeroff, Reicawf, Reickeoff, Reichkoff, and Reckeoff. These alternative forms of the same surname can sometimes be found in different countries, depending on the transcription of the surname by various government agencies.
Famous people with the name Reukauff
- Erik Reukauf: German basketball player who currently plays for FC Bayern Munich in the Basketball Bundesliga.
- Christopher Reukauf: American motorcycle racer who competed in AMA Superbike Racing.
- Andreas Reukauf: Former German footballer who plays for SpVgg Greuther Fürth.
- Annette Reukauf: German poet and editor.
- Nicol Reukauf: American professional cyclist who competes in road racing, gravel grinding and cyclocross.
- John Reukauf: Former Swiss Pairs figure skater who competed alongside Dominique Bydlinski.
- Mike Reukauf: American film and television producer and businessman.
- Heinz Reukauf: German civil engineer who focused on railway engineering.
- Karl Reukauf: Austrian ski mountaineer.
- Kurt Reukauf: German free-skier and outdoor adventurer.