Reinhart is a surname of Germanic origin, derived from the elements ragin – meaning counsel or advice – and hardu, signifying brave, hardy or strong. The composite yields a meaning such as “brave counsellor” or “wise and strong”, and it was traditionally bestowed upon individuals noted for their wisdom, courage or leadership.
The name is recorded in English parish registers from the late sixteenth century, for example the christening of Beatrice, daughter of James Reynard, at St. Botolph without Aldgate in London on 29 July 1571. The earliest known spelling in a manuscript is that of Elias Reynardi, dated 1205 at St. Benet Holme, Norfolk, during the reign of King John of England.
In medieval German records the name appears in variants such as Heinrch Reinhard of Bonnigheld (1286) and Heinrici reinhart of Homburg (1315). The Domesday Book of Norfolk (1086) lists the given names Rainardi with Rainart, evidence of an early presence in England.
The surname has undergone numerous orthographic changes. Around forty forms are attested, from Reynard, Reinhard, Renhard and Reignard to Reinaert, Raardot and Reintsema, reflecting regional dialects and the influence of Old French, where the fox was called renard.
Geographically, Reinhart remains most common in central and eastern Europe, especially in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland. It is also found in parts of Hungary, Romania, Ukraine and, through emigration, in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the United States. In Germany the name can be traced back to the early thirteenth century in the area of present‑day Augsburg, Bavaria.
Variants of the surname include Reinhardt, Rainhard, Rinehart, Rinehardt, Rhinehart, Rynhart, Reinharth, Reinhartd and Rinhardd. The appended “t” or “dt” in German and Dutch usage often denotes a patronymic origin, indicating “son of Reinhard”. In English‑speaking contexts the form Rinehart is most common.
Throughout its history the surname has carried connotations of purity, strength and prudent counsel, and today it is recognised as a marker of German heritage within many Central and Eastern European communities.