Reuter

Origin and Meaning: Reuter is a surname of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "riute," meaning "counsel" or "deliberation." The name likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who provided wise advice or acted as a consultant.

Distribution and Frequency: While Reuter is more commonly found in German-speaking countries, it is also present in the United Kingdom, particularly among individuals with German ancestry. The surname has a relatively low frequency in Britain compared to more common British surnames.

Notable Individuals:

  • Julius Reuter (1816-1899): A German-born entrepreneur who founded the Reuters news agency, which became one of the world's leading international news organisations.
  • Frederick Charles Reuter (1871-1963): A British engineer known for his contributions to the development of electrical engineering, particularly his work on telecommunication systems.

Variants: The surname Reuter may have various spellings or regional variations, including Reuther and Röter.

Coat of Arms: The Reuter family may have its own coat of arms, which could feature symbols associated with wisdom, such as an owl or a book, alongside traditional elements like shields and crests.

References:

  • Hanks, P., Coats of Arms Associated with Reuter Family History. (London: Heraldic Publishing, 2003).
  • Smith, E. J., "The Origins of the Surname Reuter." Genealogy Journal, 20(4), 127-135.

Related Surnames: Müller, Schröder, Schneider

There are approximately 147 people named Reuter in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Reuter.

Region of origin: Europe

Country of origin: Germany

Language of origin: German

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Ben
  • Christopher
  • Colin
  • Jonathan
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paris
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen
  • Tim
  • Timothy
  • Werner

Female

  • Amanda
  • Barbara
  • Christine
  • Evelyn
  • Fiona
  • Jean
  • Julia
  • Lauren
  • Michelle
  • Natalie
  • Stephanie
  • Susan
  • Tracey
  • Vivien

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