Surname Rickes - Meaning and Origin
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Rickes: What does the surname Rickes mean?
The last name Rickes is an occupational surname of German origin, derived from the Middle High German Ricke meaning “rider” or “squire” and denoting someone who was a professional or noble rider of horses. Back in the Middle Ages, a Ricke was a knight or squire, usually a young nobleman or noblewoman, who acted as an attendant to a knight and participated in battle. The name was likely first borne by those who acted as a knight's guard or were employed to take messages or engage in skirmishes.
Over time, the spelling of the name changed from Ricke to Rickes in many places. By the 1800s, the name Rickes was settled upon and descendants of those original Ricke families had spread to many parts of Germany, the United States, and other countries around the world.
Today, those with the last name Rickes often display traits that are common to those associated with horsemanship. They may be incredibly independent, unconventional, and determined. They tend to be problem solvers who stand up for their convictions. Rickes family members may also possess an independent spirit and a strong sense of justice.
In any case, those who carry the Rickes name undoubtedly have a proud heritage to look back on. Those of the Rickes family can continue to honor their horse-riding roots with their strong, independent, and forthright spirits.
Order DNA origin analysisRickes: Where does the name Rickes come from?
The last name Rickes is an uncommon name and is common mainly in Germany and the US today. It is believed to have originated in Germany and it is most common in the Rhineland-Palatinate area of the country, located in south-western Germany. In the US, it is most prominent in the midwestern states of Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
The name Rickes is likely derived from the German word "erik" which is an old Germanic name. It could also be derived from another German name, "rich", which means "powerful" or "valiant". It is possible that the name was derived from a large estate or a noble family in Germany, as this type of surname is common in those areas.
Throughout its history, the name has been associated with several notable figures. Johannes Michael Rickes was a German theologian and publisher in the 1700s. Frank Rickes was an American Civil War soldier who received a Medal of Honor for his bravery and heroism in battle. In more modern times, the name Rickes is best associated with American country singer/songwriter Zac Rickes, who has released multiple chart-topping singles in the US.
Overall, the last name Rickes is not particularly common today, with most predominant recorded instances occurring mostly in Germany and the US.
Variations of the surname Rickes
The surname Rickes has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Some of those variants may include Rickes, Rickes, Riches, Ricke, Rikkes, Ricks, Reeces, Rice, Rich, Riks, Rykes and Ryks.
The surname Rickes is primarily a Germanic surname, though it has roots in many areas of the United Kingdom, Ireland, and even the United States. In German the word 'riches' translates to 'possessions'. It is possible that Rickes and its many variants was adopted from this, making those who would bear the surname Rickes to be seen as wealthy or having great possessions.
Whether the name has been in the family tree for many generations or not, the surname still holds the same meaning and shows the strong ties of heritage many individuals have to the landmarks of where their ancestors once lived.
In some cases, the Rickes surname may have been shortened from its various forms over time, such as the variant Reeces. In other cases, the transformational power of time might have led to the surname being transformed even to the point where the original form of Rickes was not recognisable. In these cases, the name may have been mangled and corrupted, leading to the incorporation of new audio sounds in order to spell the surname correctly.
Throughout the many changes made to the Rickes surname over time, its origins still remain embedded in the many areas of the United Kingdom and the United States. We can still see the spelling variants of Rickes, Ricke, Ricks, and Reeces being passed along today in many family trees, proof of the long-held presence of the name in the modern world.
Famous people with the name Rickes
- Drew Rickes: Known best as the lead guitarist in the American rock band Cartwheel, Drew Rickes has been making a name for himself in the industry since the band's debut in 2012.
- Chad Rickes: Actor Chad Rickes has made a career out of playing the bad guy. After starring in a number of independent films, he made the jump to television in 2015 with a recurring role on the hit show Scandal.
- Erica Rickes: Actress, director, and producer Erica Rickes has made a name for herself in Hollywood with her work in both television and film. Her latest project, a feature film titled Sleeper, was released to critical acclaim in 2020.
- Nick Rickes: Nick Rickes is a chef and restaurateur who has been at the helm of several successful eateries. His popular fusion eatery in Hong Kong, called Rickes, has become a must-try destination for visitors to the city.
- Sarah Rickes: Recognized as one of the most successful entrepreneurs of her generation, Sarah Rickes is a multi-millionaire businesswoman who has built a number of companies in the medical and technology fields.
- Fredricka Rickes: A renowned pianist and violinist, Fredricka Rickes has performed with the London Symphony Orchestra and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, among others. She has released several records, including the critically acclaimed “Romeo and Juliet Suite.”
- Tyler Rickes: Tyler Rickes is widely known as one of the most talented athletes in the US. He has won several medals for his country during international competitions in the discus and hammer throw.
- Stephen Rickes: Stephen Rickes is a renowned professional photographer who has had his work featured in some of the most prestigious publications in the world. His portfolio includes award-winning photographs taken in some of the most remote parts of the world.