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Reinhard Boy

Popularity: · Trend: → Stable

Origin(s)

PronunciationRYN-hart / ˈʁaɪ̯nhart

German; 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)

StateBirthsShare
NY 6
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18956
19015
19075
19115
191211
19139
191411
191514
191617
191716
191813
19195
192011
192111
192211
19238
19246
192515
19268
19275
192811
192913
193012
19317
19325
19337
19349
19355
19366
19475
19496
19528
19548
19559
19568
19578
195813
195915
19608
196111
196210
19639
19646
196510
19666
19698
19715
19805
19955
19985