Surname Rikken - Meaning and Origin

Rikken: What does the surname Rikken mean?

The last name Rikken is of Dutch origin, and is believed to have originated in the city of Breda in the northern Netherlands. The name is derived from the Old Dutch phrase "rijken", which means "rich, possible wealthy". It is likely that the original family with the name was known as one of wealth or influence in the area.

In the Middle Ages, many of the Dutch adoptions of the Rikken surname were members of a distinct society known as the Ridderschap, or Order of Knights. The families with this last name often held titles of nobility, and were respected pillars of their communities.

In the modern day, the Rikken surname continues to represent wealth and influence. It is a relatively common name in the Netherlands, with many families having a rich history in the region. It is also true that these days many of those with the last name Rikken are involved in some of the leading industries in the country.

The name is a reminder of the past, of wealth and affluence. It is also a modern day reminder that those with the Rikken surname are still an influential force in Dutch society.

Rikken: Where does the name Rikken come from?

The Rikken surname is most commonly found in the Netherlands, especially in the northern region of Groningen. This suggests that the surname has its origins in the Low Countries region of Europe. The Rikken surname is especially frequent in certain municipalities of Groningen, like Leek, Marum, and Bedum. It is believed that the Rikken family has been in the Groningen area since the 16th century.

In addition to the Netherlands, Rikken is also a common surname in Belgium, particularly in the northern region of Flanders. The Rikken family name is also present in recent immigrant populations of the Netherlands, such as Turkish migrant families.

The name Rikken is less common outside of Europe, but there is an American family from the Netherlands whose surname is Rikken. The family emigrated to the United States in the late 19th century and settled in Minnesota.

Rikken is an uncommon surname in the UK, Australia, and most other parts of the world outside Europe. However, there are some queries from the former British colonies of South Africa and the Caribbean Islands where Rikken may be present.

Overall, the family name Rikken is most commonly found in the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United States, but inquiries from other regions of the world may indicate the presence of the Rikken family name in other parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Rikken

There are numerous spelling variations, variants, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Rikken. The spelling 'Rikken' is the most common variant, but its originials and other spelling variants are often found in people's family trees. It is believed to be of Germanic origin and is also sometimes spelled Rioken, Reichen, Richter, Ritken, Richen, Ricken, Rickenbach, Rickenbacher, Rickenbarg, Rickenberg, Rechenberg, Ryckman, Rykeman, Ricken, Rycken, Rickman, Ryke, Rich, creek, Rick, Ricke, Ritsken, Ritskema, Krikken, Kruken, Ritken, Rikker, Rikkelman, Frick, Ritske, Rijn, Roose, Roost, Rouke, Ribke, Reijke, Ripke, Rijke, and Rupke.

The Rycken surname, in particular, has been traced to the Dutch region of Gelderland. The first known recorded instance of the surname was that of "Pelgrim Theodericus, son of Rikken" in 1251. The Rikken surname is believed to hail from the towns of 's-Heerenberg and Lesilven, and is associated with such localities as Dance, even though some branches of the family are said to have fled East to Germany during World War II. In the modern era, Rikken is most commonly found in the Netherlands, Denmark, and the United States.

Famous people with the name Rikken

• Mrs. Mieke van den Ende-Rikken is a Dutch hematologist and emeritus professor at the University of Amsterdam and the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
• Kaleb Rikken is an American politician and member of the Minnesota House of Representatives.
• Laszlo Rikken is a Hungarian sculptor and graphic artist.
• Femke Rikken is an established Dutch artist working in painting, sculpture and photography.
• Onno Rikken is a retired Dutch politician of the Labour Party with a background in social work.
• Gertjan Rikken is a retired Dutch professional footballer who currently works as a scout for his former club AZ Alkmaar.
• Erwin Rikken is a retired football forward from the Netherlands.
• Theo Rikken is a former Dutch track and field athlete who competed in the hammer throw.
• Marjolijn van den Assem-Rikken is a Dutch zoologist and scientist who works in oceanic and ecological research and education.
• Menno Rikken is a Dutch rower who competes in the double sculls event.

Other surnames

RikkerRikkers