Reinhard Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationRYN-hart / ˈʁaɪ̯nhartGerman; Old High German
Meaning
Brave counsel; strong advice
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Reinhard has its roots in the Germanic elements "ragin," meaning "counsel" or "advice," and "hard," meaning "brave" or "strong." This etymology reflects a combination of wisdom and strength, which was a valued trait in early Germanic societies. The name evolved through various forms in the Germanic languages before being adopted into Old High German as "Reginhard," which later transformed into the modern form, Reinhard, in the Middle Ages. The transition into English occurred primarily through the influence of German-speaking populations and the migration of Germanic tribes into English territories during the early medieval period.
Historically, the name Reinhard has been borne by several notable figures, particularly in the German-speaking world. One significant milestone is the use of the name in the context of the Holy Roman Empire, where various nobles and leaders carried the name, reflecting its association with nobility and leadership. The name also appears in medieval texts and chronicles, where it is linked to figures of authority and valor. Additionally, the name gained prominence through the influence of saints and religious figures, particularly in the context of Christian hagiography, where names often held spiritual significance.
Culturally, Reinhard embodies qualities of wisdom and strength, making it a name that resonates with ideals of leadership and moral fortitude. In German folklore and literature, characters named Reinhard often symbolize resilience and strategic thinking, further cementing the name's association with these virtues. The diminutive form "Reini" has also been used affectionately, though it is less common in historical texts. Overall, the name Reinhard has maintained its significance through centuries, reflecting a blend of cultural heritage and linguistic evolution.
Trend Summary
Reinhard has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., with a notable presence in German-American communities.
Similar Names
Variants
- Reinhardt
International Variants
- Reinhardt (German)
- Reinhard (Dutch)
- Reinhard (Swedish)
Famous people named Reinhard
Reinhard Heydrich was a high-ranking German official best known for his role in the Holocaust and as one of the main architects of the Final Solution.
Reinhard Genzel is a physicist best known for his work on black holes and the discovery of the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy.
Reinhard Bonnke was an evangelist best known for his large-scale Christian crusades in Africa.
Fictional characters named Reinhard
Reinhard von Lohengramm is a fictional character from the anime and novel series Legend of the Galactic Heroes. He is a brilliant military strategist and the ambitious leader of the Galactic Empire, seeking to unify the galaxy under his rule.
Reinhard is a fictional character from the video game series Fire Emblem. He is a powerful and noble warrior known for his leadership and combat skills in the battlefield.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Reinhard was first seen in the United States in 1895. Reinhard has ranked as high as #823 nationally, which occurred in 1916, and has been most popular in New York, and Minnesota. In the past 5 years the name Reinhard has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Reinhard (1959)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
NY | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1895 | 6 |
1901 | 5 |
1907 | 5 |
1911 | 5 |
1912 | 11 |
1913 | 9 |
1914 | 11 |
1915 | 14 |
1916 | 17 |
1917 | 16 |
1918 | 13 |
1919 | 5 |
1920 | 11 |
1921 | 11 |
1922 | 11 |
1923 | 8 |
1924 | 6 |
1925 | 15 |
1926 | 8 |
1927 | 5 |
1928 | 11 |
1929 | 13 |
1930 | 12 |
1931 | 7 |
1932 | 5 |
1933 | 7 |
1934 | 9 |
1935 | 5 |
1936 | 6 |
1947 | 5 |
1949 | 6 |
1952 | 8 |
1954 | 8 |
1955 | 9 |
1956 | 8 |
1957 | 8 |
1958 | 13 |
1959 | 15 |
1960 | 8 |
1961 | 11 |
1962 | 10 |
1963 | 9 |
1964 | 6 |
1965 | 10 |
1966 | 6 |
1969 | 8 |
1971 | 5 |
1980 | 5 |
1995 | 5 |
1998 | 5 |