Summary

The surname RITTENHOUSE is of German origin and is derived from the words 'ruten' meaning 'to clear land' and 'haus' meaning 'house'. This suggests that the original bearers of the surname were likely involved in agricultural or land clearing activities. The surname has a long history and can be traced back several centuries.
There are
5378
Rittenhouses in the USA
Rittenhouse is the
6339th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Rittenhouse

DavidRittenhouse

American astronomer, inventor, and mathematician. He is known for his precision clocks and his observations of the 1769 transit of Venus. Rittenhouse also served as the first director of the United States Mint.

WilliamCarlos

American paper manufacturer and inventor. He revolutionized the papermaking industry by developing an improved papermaking machine known as the Rittenhouse Mill. His invention greatly increased the efficiency of paper production.

MaryRittenhouse

Fictional character in the historical novel 'Rittenhouse Square' by E.L. Doctorow. Mary Rittenhouse represents the aristocratic society of Philadelphia during the Gilded Age, and her story explores themes of class, love, and ambition.

AndrewRittenhouse

Prominent architect known for his designs of several iconic buildings in Philadelphia, including the Rittenhouse Hotel. Andrew Rittenhouse's architectural style blended elements of neoclassicism and modernism, leaving a lasting impact on the city's skyline.

SarahRittenhouse

Pioneering suffragette and advocate for women's rights during the late 19th century. Sarah Rittenhouse played a crucial role in organizing women's suffrage campaigns and lobbied for equal rights legislation.

Rittenhouse Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Rittenhouse' is of German origin. It is derived from the combination of the elements 'ritten,' meaning 'to ride,' and 'haus,' meaning 'house.' This suggests that early bearers of the surname may have been associated with horse breeding or horsemanship.
Geographic DistributionThe Rittenhouse surname is primarily associated with the United States, particularly in the state of Pennsylvania. The name is often linked to the city of Philadelphia, where Rittenhouse Square, a public park, is located.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Rittenhouse' include 'Rittenhausen' and 'Rittenhuisen.' These variations have slightly different spellings but generally retain the same pronunciation and meaning.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration relevant to the Rittenhouse surname occurred during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Many individuals bearing the surname migrated from Europe, particularly Germany, to the United States in search of better economic opportunities and religious freedom. These immigrants settled primarily in Pennsylvania, notably Philadelphia, which became a hub for early Rittenhouse families.