Surname Rickenbaker - Meaning and Origin
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Rickenbaker: What does the surname Rickenbaker mean?
The surname Rickenbaker is of German origin and it is a habitational name for someone from any of the various places in Switzerland named Rickenbach. It derives from the Middle High German words "rihhi," meaning 'ridge,' and "bach," meaning 'stream.' Consequently, one interpretation of the name could be 'stream by the ridge.' This surname was popular among Swiss Mennonites. Notably, in the United States, the name is associated with Eddie Rickenbacker, a famous World War I fighter pilot and Medal of Honor recipient. Variations of the name include Rickenbacker, Rickenbacher, and Rickinbaker. The surname is considered quite rare, adding to its unique charm and character.
Order DNA origin analysisRickenbaker: Where does the name Rickenbaker come from?
The surname Rickenbaker is a Dutch topographic surname of locational origin, derived from any of the numerous places named with the Old Germanic compound elements "riken" or "ric" meaning "powerful" and "bacher" meaning "stream". The name was likely originally borne by someone who lived near such a stream. It is a rare surname today and is still most commonly found among people residing in the Netherlands.
In the United States, the surname is most commonly found in Iowa. This is likely because of the influx of German immigrants who settled there in the mid-1800s. Moreover, the state is home to the Rickenbaker International Airport, which was named after Eddie Rickenbaker, a WWI flying ace. Even though the airport is quite large, the name is still considered quite rare.
In general, the name Rickenbaker can be found sporadically throughout the United States but is overwhelmingly concentrated in the Midwest. According to the data from the US Census realities, the name appears in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. In Europe, the name is more common and still appears quite often on the Netherlands government statistics and records.
Overall, the name Rickenbaker is still considered relatively rare and is most commonly found in the Midwestern United States and the Netherlands.
Variations of the surname Rickenbaker
Variations and spellings of the last name Rickenbaker can include Rickenbacker, Rickenbaker, Rickenbacker, Rykenbacker, Rickenbacher, Riickenbacker, and Rekenbacker, to name a few.
The most common Americanized spelling of this surname is Rickenbacker. Presumably, the name stems from a location in Germany or an immigrant ancestor. It is believed that the original form of the name was "Rickapfelbecka," which translates to "orchard creeks."
In early American records, the spelling varied considerably depending on where each family settled. As immigrants moved through ports on their way to the new world, last names could have been changed by clerks who recorded information. This, coupled with the difficulty of translating an entirely different language, could have resulted in numerous variations of the surname.
The surname could also have been a patronymic name, where the father's given name was modified to form a new surname. This could explain why there are so many variations throughout the United States.
In addition to the aforementioned variations, the surname may also be derived from two separate German words meaning "pear" and "creek," which may indicate an ancestral home near a river with pear trees. Another possible origin could come from a combination of two German words for "wood" and "mine," in which case the name could indicate an ancestor who worked in a wood mine.
Over time, the spelling of this surname has changed from the original. Regardless of the variation, the Rickenbacker name has become synonymous with National security and 1930's-40's era aviation.
Famous people with the name Rickenbaker
- Eddie Rickenbacker: American fighter pilot and World War I ace in the 94th Aero Squadron, who credited with shooting down 26 enemy aircraft in aerial combat.
- Albert Rickenbacker: American jazz guitarist and composer.
- Rebecca Rickenbaker: an American professional basketball player
- Teresa Rickenbaker: American folk artist.
- Brian Rickenbacker: American comedian and actor.
- Christina Rickenbaker: American journalist and anchor.
- Margret Rickenbaker: American actress
- Marc Rickenbaker: American actor
- William Rickenbaker: American military officer honored for his service in the American Civil War
- Gretchen Rickenbaker: American professional golfer
- Lisa Rickenbaker: American beauty pageant titleholder.
- Dan Rickenbaker: American basketball official.
- Michael Rickenbaker: American racing driver.
- Mary K. Rickenbaker: American educator and politician.
- C. C. Rickenbaker: American politician from Pennsylvania.
- Robert William Rickenbaker: American architect.
- Donald Eugene Rickenbaker: American professor of physics.
- Daniel Bruce Rickenbaker: American professional baseball player.
- Ernie Rickenbaker: American Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.
- Verna Serena Rickenbaker: American writer.