Find out how popular the last name Reff is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Reff.

Reff, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Reff surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Reff in America

Reff is the 34465th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Reff surname appeared 657 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Reff.

We can also compare 2010 data for Reff to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Reff

The surname "REFF" is believed to have originated in Germany, with its roots traced back to the Middle Ages. The name is thought to be derived from the German word "reff," which means "a strip or shred of cloth." This suggests that the earliest bearers of this surname may have been associated with the textile industry, such as weavers or tailors.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name "REFF" can be found in the medieval German records from the 13th century, where it appears as "Reffe." This variation of the spelling indicates the name's evolution over time and its adaptation to different regional dialects within Germany.

During the 15th century, the name "REFF" was documented in various regions of Germany, including Bavaria and Saxony. This suggests that the name had spread across different parts of the country, potentially due to migration or the establishment of trade routes.

In the 16th century, the name "REFF" appears in the records of the city of Nuremberg, a prominent center of trade and commerce during the Renaissance period. One notable individual from this era was Hans Reff (1492-1564), a respected goldsmith and craftsman who contributed to the city's artistic and cultural legacy.

As the centuries progressed, the name "REFF" continued to be associated with various professions and occupations. In the 18th century, Johann Reff (1716-1783) was a renowned clockmaker from the town of Augsburg, renowned for his intricate and precise timepieces.

Moving into the 19th century, the name "REFF" can be found in various historical documents and records across Germany. One notable figure was Karl Reff (1823-1898), a German politician and lawyer who served as a member of the Reichstag, the parliament of the German Empire.

Throughout the centuries, the surname "REFF" has also been associated with various place names and locations within Germany. For example, the town of Reffingen in Baden-Württemberg is believed to have derived its name from the surname, potentially indicating the presence of prominent families bearing this name in the area.

It's important to note that while these examples provide insights into the historical significance and distribution of the surname "REFF," the name has also been carried by countless individuals whose stories and contributions may not have been extensively documented. The rich tapestry of a surname's history often extends beyond the records of the elite or the famous, encompassing the lives of ordinary people who have shaped communities and societies throughout the ages.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Reff

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Reff.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Reff was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Reff has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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