Surname Riewe - Meaning and Origin

Riewe: What does the surname Riewe mean?

The surname Riewe does not have a clear, universally accepted meaning, as its origins are not definitively known. It appears to be of Germanic origin, potentially derived from a personal name or profession. However, without a definitive root, the interpretation can vary. It is always dependent on the historical context, geographical region, and family history. If it is occupational, it could be related to a rower (Ruder in German), but this connection is highly speculative. The most reliable way to understand a specific family's surname meaning is through personalized genealogical research. It is also important to remember that surnames may have evolved significantly over time and might be spelled differently in present context. Therefore, the precise meaning of "Riewe" is unfortunately unknown and potentially lost to history.

Riewe: Where does the name Riewe come from?

The last name Riewe is most commonly found in Germany today. It is also encountered in Denmark, Netherlands, and other countries throughout Europe. According to the US Census Bureau, Riewe is a rare surname within the United States. As of the 2000 US Census, there were only 215 individuals living in the United States that had the surname Riewe.

In Germany, Riewe is reported to be most frequent in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. Here, about 498 people have adopted the name since 2018. The total population of Riewe's within Germany is close to 725 people, making it a relatively rare name. Interestingly, Riewe is one of the few surnames that have consistently decreased in Germany since the 19th century. The name was previously more prevalent in the 18th century, with 1150 people bearing the name in 1809.

The origin of the name Riewe is likely derived from the Middle High German name "Riffere," which means "to snatch something". It first emerged in the region around Sauerland, Germany, and is suggested to have also come from the name "Rieben," which is similar in meaning. Since then, the Riewe last name has spread across Europe and more recently, to the United States.

Variations of the surname Riewe

The surname Riewe has a number of variants, spellings, and other surnames with the same origin. These include Rieue, Rieuw, Reue, Reuw, Riew, Riu, Reuue, Rieuwe, Rieuwe, Reuue, ROeuwe, Roeuwe, Rhiewe, Reue, Reueu, Reuu, Reuuw, Rhiew, Rhiewe, Reuue, Reuwe, Ruue, Rhieue, Reu and Rueu.

The surname Riewe originated from Middle Dutch meaning “to perceive, to recognize” which was the basis of many Dutch surnames of the time. It was commonly found amongst families living in the Lower Rhine and near the Dutch-German border.

The surname Riewe is commonly found amongst Germans, Dutch, Flemish, and Belgian families. Variations of these spellings and surnames are predominately found in German-speaking areas, with spelling differences between Dutch and German variants.

The spelling variants of the surname Riewe tend to be identical between different countries with the exception of some German variations. The surname Riewe is predominantly found in Europe however there are some Australian variants which are believed to derive from European settlers.

Due to its prevalence throughout Europe, the surname Riewe is not uncommon in many countries, most notably Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, France, and the countries of the Americas including the United States and Canada.

Famous people with the name Riewe

• Thomas Riewe: Professional soccer player who currently plays for Sports Club Corinthians Paulista.
• Thomas G. Riewe: United States Circuit Judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
• Kenneth Riewe: Lawyer, 17th Attorney General of the State of Wisconsin from 1951 to 1957.
• Willie Riewe: Former American football player who played for the National Football League (NFL).
• Martha Riewe: Vice President and Treasurer of the M.J. & W. Riewe Foundation, Inc.
• Alfred O. Riewe: A successful lawyer, civic leader, and business owner from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, who served as mayor in 1941.
• Kaye Riewe: Television and film actress, known for appearing in series like “Childrens Hospital” and “Parenthood”.
• Peter Riewe: German actor who has appeared in many films and television series.
• Robert Riewe: Emeritus Professor of Mathematics and Former Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
• Jane Riewe: Former head coach of the University of Wisconsin's women's volleyball team from 2004 to 2012.

Other surnames

Riewestahl