Reinhard

Boy Name
Origin:germanic
Pronunciation:/ˈraɪn.hɑːrd/

Reinhard: a male name of Germanic origin meaning "This name derives from the Old High German “Raginhart,” composed of two elements: “*raginą,” meaning “decision, advice, counsel” plus “*harduz / *hardu-,” meaning “hard, strong, brave, powerful one". It derives from the Germanic word "*raginą *harduz / *hardu- > Raginhart".

The name Reinhard carries a rich history rooted in Germanic culture. Derived from "*raginą *harduz / *hardu- > Raginhart", this masculine name embodies the essence of This name derives from the Old High German “Raginhart,” composed of two elements: “*raginą,” meaning “decision, advice, counsel” plus “*harduz / *hardu-,” meaning “hard, strong, brave, powerful one. Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Germanic-speaking communities.

Quick Facts About Reinhard

Quick facts about Reinhard
OriginGermanic
GenderBoy name
PopularityUncommon

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Old High German “Raginhart,” composed of two elements: “*raginą,” meaning “decision, advice, counsel” plus “*harduz / *hardu-,” meaning “hard, strong, brave, powerful one.” The name means “strong decisions, the strength of advice.” The figure of Reynard is thought to have originated in Alsace-Lorraine folklore from where it spread to France, the Low Countries, and Germany. An extensive treatment of the character is the Old French Le Roman de Renart, written by Pierre de Saint-Cloud around 1170, which sets the typical setting. 1) Reinhard I, Lord of Hanau (~1225–1281), is the ancestor of the House of Hanau. 2) Reinhard II of Hanau (~1369–1451) was Lord of Hanau and from 1429 Count of Hanau. He was one of the most important members of the House of Hanau.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

*raginą *harduz / *hardu- > Raginhart

How to Pronounce Reinhard

Reinhard is pronounced /ˈraɪn.hɑːrd/(English)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Rei-nha-rd
  2. Say it like: "REI-NHA-RD"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Reinhard enjoys international appeal, used in 7 different linguistic and cultural contexts including norwegian, icelandic, swedish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.

norwegianicelandicswedishdanishfinnishgermanancient germanic
Frequently Asked Questions About Reinhard
What does the name Reinhard mean?
Reinhard means "This name derives from the Old High German “Raginhart,” composed of two elements: “*raginą,” meaning “decision, advice, counsel” plus “*harduz / *hardu-,” meaning “hard, strong, brave, powerful one.” The name means “strong decisions, the strength of advice.” The figure of Reynard is thought to have originated in Alsace-Lorraine folklore from where it spread to France, the Low Countries, and Germany. An extensive treatment of the character is the Old French Le Roman de Renart, written by Pierre de Saint-Cloud around 1170, which sets the typical setting. 1) Reinhard I, Lord of Hanau (~1225–1281), is the ancestor of the House of Hanau. 2) Reinhard II of Hanau (~1369–1451) was Lord of Hanau and from 1429 Count of Hanau. He was one of the most important members of the House of Hanau.". The name comes from *raginą *harduz / *hardu- > Raginhart. This germanic name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Reinhard for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old High German “Raginhart,” composed of two elements: “*raginą,” meaning “decision, advice, counsel” plus “*harduz / *hardu-,” meaning “hard, strong, brave, powerful one.” The name means “strong decisions, the strength of advice.” The figure of Reynard is thought to have originated in Alsace-Lorraine folklore from where it spread to France, the Low Countries, and Germany. An extensive treatment of the character is the Old French Le Roman de Renart, written by Pierre de Saint-Cloud around 1170, which sets the typical setting. 1) Reinhard I, Lord of Hanau (~1225–1281), is the ancestor of the House of Hanau. 2) Reinhard II of Hanau (~1369–1451) was Lord of Hanau and from 1429 Count of Hanau. He was one of the most important members of the House of Hanau." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Reinhard offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices.
What is the origin of the name Reinhard?
Reinhard is a germanic name. The name traces back to *raginą *harduz / *hardu- > Raginhart. From its germanic roots, Reinhard spread to become common in norwegian, icelandic, swedish, danish and other cultures. The germanic meaning "This name derives from the Old High German “Raginhart,” composed of two elements: “*raginą,” meaning “decision, advice, counsel” plus “*harduz / *hardu-,” meaning “hard, strong, brave, powerful one.” The name means “strong decisions, the strength of advice.” The figure of Reynard is thought to have originated in Alsace-Lorraine folklore from where it spread to France, the Low Countries, and Germany. An extensive treatment of the character is the Old French Le Roman de Renart, written by Pierre de Saint-Cloud around 1170, which sets the typical setting. 1) Reinhard I, Lord of Hanau (~1225–1281), is the ancestor of the House of Hanau. 2) Reinhard II of Hanau (~1369–1451) was Lord of Hanau and from 1429 Count of Hanau. He was one of the most important members of the House of Hanau." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Reinhard a boy or girl name?
Reinhard is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In germanic tradition, Reinhard has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Old High German “Raginhart,” composed of two elements: “*raginą,” meaning “decision, advice, counsel” plus “*harduz / *hardu-,” meaning “hard, strong, brave, powerful one.” The name means “strong decisions, the strength of advice.” The figure of Reynard is thought to have originated in Alsace-Lorraine folklore from where it spread to France, the Low Countries, and Germany. An extensive treatment of the character is the Old French Le Roman de Renart, written by Pierre de Saint-Cloud around 1170, which sets the typical setting. 1) Reinhard I, Lord of Hanau (~1225–1281), is the ancestor of the House of Hanau. 2) Reinhard II of Hanau (~1369–1451) was Lord of Hanau and from 1429 Count of Hanau. He was one of the most important members of the House of Hanau." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Reinhard?
Reinhard is pronounced "/ˈraɪn.hɑːrd/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Reinhard is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in norwegian, icelandic, swedish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with germanic names, listening to a native speaker say Reinhard can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Reinhard?
Reinhard is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Reinhard gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Reinhard's popularity may vary between germanic communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old High German “Raginhart,” composed of two elements: “*raginą,” meaning “decision, advice, counsel” plus “*harduz / *hardu-,” meaning “hard, strong, brave, powerful one.” The name means “strong decisions, the strength of advice.” The figure of Reynard is thought to have originated in Alsace-Lorraine folklore from where it spread to France, the Low Countries, and Germany. An extensive treatment of the character is the Old French Le Roman de Renart, written by Pierre de Saint-Cloud around 1170, which sets the typical setting. 1) Reinhard I, Lord of Hanau (~1225–1281), is the ancestor of the House of Hanau. 2) Reinhard II of Hanau (~1369–1451) was Lord of Hanau and from 1429 Count of Hanau. He was one of the most important members of the House of Hanau." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Reinhard holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Reinhard commonly used?
Reinhard spans multiple cultures, including norwegian, icelandic, swedish, and 4 other traditions. The name originated in germanic culture and spread as people migrated and cultures exchanged ideas. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Reinhard, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Old High German “Raginhart,” composed of two elements: “*raginą,” meaning “decision, advice, counsel” plus “*harduz / *hardu-,” meaning “hard, strong, brave, powerful one.” The name means “strong decisions, the strength of advice.” The figure of Reynard is thought to have originated in Alsace-Lorraine folklore from where it spread to France, the Low Countries, and Germany. An extensive treatment of the character is the Old French Le Roman de Renart, written by Pierre de Saint-Cloud around 1170, which sets the typical setting. 1) Reinhard I, Lord of Hanau (~1225–1281), is the ancestor of the House of Hanau. 2) Reinhard II of Hanau (~1369–1451) was Lord of Hanau and from 1429 Count of Hanau. He was one of the most important members of the House of Hanau." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Reinhard into their naming traditions. A child named Reinhard will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Reinhard is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

Similar Names

Explore More Names