Rhines History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Rhines

What does the name Rhines mean?

Bavaria, Germany is the original homeland of the Rhines family. Rhines is a patronymic name, a type of surname that derived from the given name of the father of the original bearer. Rhines was derived from the Old Germanic personal name Raginhari, which is composed of the Old German elements ragin, which means counsel, and hard, which means hardy.

Early Origins of the Rhines family

The surname Rhines was first found in Bavaria, where the name became noted for its many branches within the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied and enrolled by the princes of the region. Chronicles first mention Reinerus Reynberti of Rostolk around 1280. The Latin "Renerus" also became "Reinher" from which "Reinhard" was formed. In their later history the Reiners became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into this most influential family.

Early History of the Rhines family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rhines research. Another 89 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1606, 1647 and 1728 are included under the topic Early Rhines History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rhines Spelling Variations

One can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Rhines include Reiner, Reine, Reinere, Rhiner, Reiners, Rainer, Rainers, Rainert, Rainere, Renerus (Latin) and many more.

Early Notables of the Rhines family

Prominent among members of the name Rhines in this period include Vincentio (Vincenzio, Vincenzo) Reinieri (Renieri, Reiner) (1606-1647), an Italian mathematician and astronomer, close friend and disciple of...
Another 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Rhines Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Rhines family

European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Rhiness to arrive in North America, and among them were: Friedrich Reiner, who came to Philadelphia in 1730; as did Stefen Reiner. Valentin Reiner arrived in 1748; while Georg Reiner came in 1749. Reinrich Reiners came to Saratoga, New York in 1777.

Contemporary Notables of the name Rhines (post 1700) +

Walden C. "Wally" Rhines (b. 1946), American engineer and businessman, Chairman and CEO of Mentor Graphics
Jennifer "Jen" Rhines (b. 1974), American long-distance runner, three-time Olympian (2000, 2004 and 2008)
William Pearl Rhines (1869-1922), American Major League Baseball player who played from 1890 to 1899