Surname Rzehak - Meaning and Origin

Rzehak: What does the surname Rzehak mean?

The last name Rzehak is of Polish origin and is believed to have first appeared around the 16th century. It is believed to come from the word ‘rzez’, which means ‘reed’ in Polish, and can be translated to mean ‘from the reed-bed’. The family that bears this last name likely originated near meadows or wetlands where reeds are abundant or were known for their fishing or hunting along a reed-lined rivers.

The spelling of the last name Rzehak has varied slightly over the centuries and has also taken on various other spellings, such as Rezek, Rzehak, Rezihac, and Rezkeck, among many others. It is also believed to have been used for families who had stalks of land and can be translated to mean “from the land covered with reeds”.

The families who bear this surname may have also had close ties to the river, or are even considered to be river nomads, which may explain why they likely chose to name themselves after the reeds. In addition to this, it is also possible that the last name was chosen for its protective qualities, as reeds were seen as a source of safety against predators.

Overall, the last name Rzehak has a long and interesting history. It is a name that originally reflects a connection to a natural source, and its meaning and importance has changed over time. It can be seen as a sign of strength, protection, and the unwavering human connection to nature.

Rzehak: Where does the name Rzehak come from?

The surname Rzehak is most commonly found today in Germany and Austria, where it originated centuries ago. The name is derived from the German “rügen” or “rucchen”, which means “disturb”. In the early Middle Ages, the family name began to spread to the Bohemian region of the Czech Republic and remains common in this area to this day. Additionally, the name has spread throughout central and western Europe, but is still relatively rare in other locations around the world.

In Germany, the surname is most numerous in the Lower Bavaria region of the country. In terms of households, states like Rhineland Palatinate, Baden-Wurttemberg, and Hamburg are also home to a notable share of the population that bears the surname.

Less frequent, but still very common locations for those bearing the name are the Greater Vienna area in Austria and Saxony in Germany. The name is also commonly found in parts of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, including Slovakia and Hungary.

The spelling of the name has varied throughout time and in different locations. Common variations found today include Rzehag, Rzeehak, and Rzegack.

Overall, the surname Rzehak is still quite commonly found in the German-speaking world and even some parts of Central Europe. It is a reminder of the family’s long and proud history in Europe and is truly a legacy for future generations.

Variations of the surname Rzehak

The surname Rzehak has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same root, including Rzehák, Ržehák, Rezek, Rezek, Rewak, Rezec and Rezec.

Rzehak is a common Czech surname originating from the Polish language. It is derived from the Polish Rzeha, which means "branch". The Rzehak family has been present in the lands of what is now the Czech Republic since the 13th century, and the first known record of the surname was in 1458, where a Bartoš Ržehák is mentioned in the district of Stříbro.

The spelling of Rzehák is common in Czech Republic while Ržehák is more common in Slovakia. While Rzehak is the form used in contemporary documents, older documents might use the spelling Ržehák. Other variations like Rewak, Rezec and Rezek come from northern regions.

Variants of the Rzehak surname exist in different languages as well, including Polish Rezek, Italian Rezek, German Rezek and Jewish Resch and Rezek. The name is also spelled Reshka, Rechka, Rhechka, Rzhehka and Rezhka in some parts of Russia.

The Rzehak surname is particularly common among members of the Jewish faith. It is particularly popular in Russia, where it is often spelled as Rechka or Rezhka, and can also be spelled Rezhek, Ruzhok, Rezhets, Rezhets and Rezheyk.

In all its forms, the surname is still widely used in East European countries, particularly in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Famous people with the name Rzehak

• Dr. Franz Rzehak (1845-1904): an Austrian physician and microbiologist known for his research in the fields of tuberculosis, whooping cough, and influenza.
• Hans Rzehak (1908-1970): an Austrian businessman, lawyer, and politician active during the interwar period.
• Criminologist Michael Rzehak (b. 1971): a German specialist in criminology, security and conflict management.
• Karl Rzehak (1915-1992): an Austrian field hockey goalkeeper and Austrian national team captain.
• Actor Tom Rzehak (b.1983): a German actor and singer who studied at Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute in New York.
• Jazz guitarist Grażyna Rzehak (b. 1961): a Polish artist, composer, and jazz musician who has released over 40 albums under her own name and as part of various projects.
• Entrepreneur Dr. Dieter Rzehak (b. 1945): a German serial entrepreneur who founded and funded several companies throughout the country.
• Violinist Veronika Rzehak (b. 1981): a Slovakian classical violinist who has performed with numerous orchestras throughout Europe.
• Painter and sculptor Peter Rzehak (b. 1964): a German multidisciplinary artist whose works have been exhibited across Europe and the United States.
• Igor Rzehak (b. 1993): a Czech figure skater who has won several national championships and represented the Czech Republic in international events.

Other surnames

RzehaczekRzehatschek