Find out how popular the first name Reiner has been for the last 36 years (from 1988 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Reiner by gender

Based on the last 36 years of data, Reiner is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 19 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Reiner.

The history of the first name Reiner

The name Reiner has its origins in the German language, where it is derived from the Old German word "rain," meaning "pure" or "clean." This name likely emerged during the Middle Ages in various Germanic regions of Europe.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Reiner can be found in the Frankish Annals, a historical chronicle from the 9th century that mentions a nobleman named Reiner who held significant influence in the court of Charlemagne. This suggests that the name was in use among the Frankish nobility during the Carolingian era.

In religious texts, the name Reiner appears in the 12th century as the name of a Benedictine abbot from Cluny, Reiner of Saint-Jacques, who played a role in the reforms of monastic life during that period. This further attests to the early usage of the name within Christian contexts in medieval Europe.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Reiner. One of the earliest was Reiner of Pisa (c. 1109 - c. 1160), an Italian mathematician and philosopher known for his influential work on algebraic equations and his contributions to the development of modern arithmetic.

Another prominent figure was Reiner Gemma Frisius (1508 - 1555), a Dutch mathematician, astronomer, and cartographer who made significant advancements in the field of navigation and contributed to the development of modern cartography.

In the realm of literature, Reiner Maria Rilke (1875 - 1926) was a renowned Austrian poet and novelist, widely considered one of the most influential figures in German literature of the 20th century. His works, such as the "Duino Elegies" and "Sonnets to Orpheus," explored themes of existentialism, spirituality, and the human condition.

In the field of politics, Reiner Kunze (1933 - 2022) was a German writer and activist who played a pivotal role in the peaceful revolution that led to the reunification of Germany. He was a prominent voice in the opposition movement against the East German regime and advocated for freedom of expression and human rights.

Finally, in the world of sports, Reiner Klimke (1936 - 1999) was a German equestrian and Olympic champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest dressage riders of all time. He won six Olympic gold medals and numerous other accolades throughout his illustrious career, cementing his place in the history of equestrian sports.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Reiner was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Reiner, please contact us.

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