Find out how popular the first name Ritter has been for the last 25 years (from 1997 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ritter by gender

Based on the last 25 years of data, Ritter is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ritter.

The history of the first name Ritter

The name Ritter originates from the German language and has its roots in the Middle Ages. It is derived from the German word "Ritter," which means "knight" or "horseman." This name was initially associated with members of the knightly class or those who had achieved a high rank in the military or nobility.

During the Middle Ages, the term "Ritter" held significant importance and prestige. In medieval societies, knights were revered for their bravery, chivalry, and military prowess. They were often landowners and held positions of power and influence within their respective realms. The name Ritter was likely bestowed upon individuals who had earned their knighthood through acts of valor or service to their lords.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ritter can be found in the Nibelungenlied, a famous German epic poem dating back to the 13th century. The poem mentions several characters with the name Ritter, indicating its widespread use during that time period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Ritter. One such person was Ritter von Harnoncourt (1492-1568), an Austrian knight and military commander who fought in the Habsburg wars against the Ottoman Empire. Another prominent figure was Ritter Gottfried von Strassburg (c. 1210 – c. 1280), a renowned German poet and author of the courtly romance Tristan.

In the realm of art and culture, Ritter Raimund (1753-1836) was an influential Austrian actor and playwright who helped shape the development of the Viennese popular theater. Ritter Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832), one of the most celebrated German writers and intellectuals, also had the name Ritter as part of his official title.

Moving into the 20th century, Ritter Gerhard Hauptmann (1862-1946) was a German dramatist and novelist who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1912 for his works that portrayed the social and spiritual struggles of the common people.

It is worth noting that while the name Ritter has its roots in the German language, it has also been adopted and used in various other cultures and regions over time, though its meaning and significance may have evolved or taken on slightly different connotations.

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 Ritter was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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