Ritter tribes around the world

Stay informed about Ritter Family online & offline events!

Keep me informed as to Ritter Family online & offline events

My Ritter family came from?

Interested in joining the tribe leadership team

See our recent family gatherings

MEET
LEARN
SHOP

Design your own Ritter Family Crest

Ritter Family History

Recorded in England as Rider and Ryder, and in Germany as Retter and Ritter, this is a surname of two possible meanings. The first is from the Anglo-Saxon and Germanic pre 7th century word "ridere", itself from ridan, meaning to ride, and as such an occupational surname given originally to a mounted warrior or 'cnit', the modern knight. In England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, and the introduction of the feudal system, rider or ryder described a messenger, whilst knight became a status name and described a landed tenant, one who was bound to serve his lord as a mounted soldier.

Who have we missed?

Tell us about any famous Ritter (or surname variant) you think we should add here. We will get our genealogists to check them out and add them to the list. Thanks!

MEET

Join the conversation with the Ritter tribe

Find your Ritter ancestor
Tell us about your Ritter Family
Tell us about your Ritter ancestors
Ask a question about the Ritter history
Leave a message for Ritter family members

Sara

I heard that my birth grandmother's name was Susan Ritter who lived in Indiana in the 1960's. I have no way of locating her but if her name rings a bell to any of you Ritter's out there I would love to hear from you!

Heinrich Ritter

Want to know more about Ritter