History and Significance of the Surname Reape

The History of the Reape Surname

The surname Reape is of English origin and is believed to have originated from the Middle English word "rape", meaning a rope or cord. It is thought to have been a topographical surname for someone who lived near a rope or cord-making factory or who worked in the rope-making industry.

Records show that the Reape surname first appeared in the United States, with a high incidence of 442 individuals bearing the name. This suggests that the surname has a strong presence in the US and may have been brought over by early settlers from England.

Origin of the Reape Surname in Ireland

In Ireland, the Reape surname is also quite common, with an incidence of 211 individuals bearing the name. The surname is believed to have been brought to Ireland during the English colonization of the country in the 16th century. Many English settlers who came to Ireland during this time brought their surnames with them, including the Reape surname.

Over time, the Reape surname became more established in Ireland, with many families passing down the name from generation to generation. Today, there are numerous Reape families scattered throughout the country, particularly in counties where English settlement was most prominent.

The Reape Surname in England, Scotland, and Wales

In England, the Reape surname has a moderate incidence of 153 individuals. The surname is most common in the northern regions of England, where the textile and rope-making industries were prominent during the Middle Ages. Many individuals with the Reape surname likely worked in these industries, leading to the establishment of the surname in the region.

In Scotland, the Reape surname has an incidence of 54 individuals. The surname is believed to have been brought to Scotland by English settlers or through trade and commerce between the two countries. The Reape surname is most common in the lowland regions of Scotland, where English influence was strongest.

In Wales, the Reape surname has a lower incidence of 26 individuals. The surname is less common in Wales compared to England and Scotland, likely due to the smaller English presence in the country. However, there are still Reape families scattered throughout Wales, particularly in areas with connections to the textile and rope-making industries.

International Distribution of the Reape Surname

Outside of the United States, Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales, the Reape surname can also be found in several other countries. The surname has a small incidence in Bermuda, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Canada, Germany, Costa Rica, Finland, Turkey, and Ukraine.

It is believed that individuals with the Reape surname in these countries may have migrated from one of the primary regions where the surname originated, such as England or Ireland. The small incidence of the surname in these countries suggests that the Reape family is not as widely spread internationally as in the United States and Ireland.

Overall, the Reape surname has a rich history and is believed to have originated from the English word for rope or cord. The surname can be found in several countries, with the highest incidences in the United States and Ireland. The Reape surname has likely been passed down through generations, with many families proud of their unique and meaningful surname.