Rettig
A surname that may come from the German word for radish, likely first used as a nickname or for someone associated with growing or selling vegetables.
The #8,986 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 84,797 Americans shares it.
Etymology
The most likely source is German Rettig, meaning “radish.” In surnames, a food or plant term like this could become a nickname for someone thought to resemble the item in some way, or an occupational label for a grower or seller. The evidence in the excerpts is thin, so this should be treated as a probable rather than certain explanation.
History
Rettig is found in German-speaking naming traditions and appears in older surname lists from the 19th century. It is less common as a modern surname than many major German names, but it has persisted in Germany and in German diaspora communities. The spelling is stable, though related forms may occur in regional records.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The surname shares its root with German Rettich, the everyday word for radish.
From the historical record
“ciat. Rettig. Raifort, radis (AUem.). Reuffelet, Reuffet, Reuflet. Dér. de Rnf : âpre, rude (oc). Reuille. Ruisseau rapide, tor-”
— Dictionnaire des noms (French surnames)