Reinhold

Reinhold is a traditional German first name that carries the meaning "the one who rules with divine counsel" or "the decision-maker". This name has its roots in the Old High German ragin/regin, which means "counsel, decision, judgment (of the gods)", as well as waltan, which means "to rule, to govern". Reinhold (also spelled Reinold) represents a modernized form of the old and now less common Germanic name Raginald/Reginald.

What does the name Reinhold mean?

The name Reinhold is a traditional German first name meaning "the one who rules with divine counsel" or "the decision-maker". Its origin lies in Old High German, where ragin/regin means "counsel, decision, judgment (of the gods)" and waltan means "to rule, to govern". Reinhold, also in the variant Reinold, gained popularity in the Middle Ages, partly due to the veneration of Saint Reinhold of Cologne, who has been regarded as the patron saint of Dortmund since the 11th century. In the first half of the 20th century, Reinhold was a highly sought-after name for boys, but later lost popularity. Notable personalities with this name include the German presenter Reinhold Beckmann and the Italian adventurer Reinhold Messner. International variants of Reinhold include Reinaldo and Reynaldo (Spanish, Portuguese), Reino (Finnish), Renaud (French), Reynold (English), Rinaldo (Italian), and Ronald (English, Scottish, Dutch). The female equivalent is Reinhild.

Where does the name Reinhold come from?

The name Reinhold has an Old High German origin and means "the one who rules with divine counsel" or "the decision-maker". The components consist of ragin/regin, which means "counsel, decision, judgment (of the gods)", and waltan, which means "to rule, to govern". The name is rooted in Old German.

How do you pronounce Reinhold?

The pronunciation of Reinhold is clear and melodic. The name consists of two syllables and is pronounced as "Rein-hold" [ˈʁaɪ̯nhɔlt]. The dark "o" in the second syllable gives the sound a certain depth and fullness. The ending on "-ld" provides stability in the sound structure without being harsh. Reinhold radiates dignity and steadfastness and has a clear, harmonious sound structure.

When is the name day of Reinhold?

The name day for Reinhold is celebrated on January 7th in honor of Saint Reinhold of Cologne.

Popularity

In Germany, Reinhold is a rather rare first name. In 2023, it ranked 5,488th in the list of the most common male first names. Its best ranking was in 1933, reaching 112th place. Over the last ten years, Reinhold has been given as a first name about 60 times, placing it 3,143rd in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 2,204th.

Nicknames & pet names

Hold / Holde / Holder Rei / Holdi / Holli / Reine / Reini / Reinino / Reino / Reinocopter / Reinzki / Reirei

Similar first names

Reynald

Famous people

• Adolf Otto Reinhold Windaus (German chemist)
• Frans Reinhold Kjellman (Swedish botanist)
• Fritz Reinhold Holmer (painter from Sweden)
• Hugo Reinhold Karl Johann Höppener (artist from Germany)
• Jakob Michael Reinhold Lenz (German writer)
• Reinhold Bachler (Austrian ski jumper)
• Reinhold Beckmann (presenter)
• Reinhold Bohlen (German theologian)
• Reinhold F. Stumpf (Austrian writer)
• Reinhold Felderhoff (German sculptor)
• Reinhold Fellenberg (German composer)
• Reinhold Georg Müller (stonemason from Germany)
• Reinhold Gettinger (German football player)
• Reinhold Hedtke (writer from Germany)
• Reinhold Jaretzky (writer from Germany)
• Reinhold Joest (German racing driver)
• Reinhold Kauder (German rowing racer)
• Reinhold Langner (illustrator from Germany)
• Reinhold Mathes (football player from Germany)
• Reinhold Max Eichler (painter from Germany)