Reinhardt

Reinhardt is a masculine given name and surname of Germanic origin. In its use as a given name it has been common in German-speaking regions and across Europe; as a surname it appears in various countries through migration and cultural exchange. The name is derived from the elements ragin, meaning counsel or advice, and hart, meaning hard, brave, or strong, yielding an interpretation such as “counsel-brave” or “wise and hardy.” Variants include Reinhard, Reinhold, and Reinart.

Notable bearers include Max Reinhardt (1873–1943), an influential Austrian-born theatre and film director who played a key role in modern theatre. In contemporary popular culture, the name is associated with the fictional character Reinhardt Wilhelm from the video game Overwatch, commonly known simply as Reinhardt, a knightly tank renowned for his energy shield and battlefield resilience.

In broader usage, Reinhardt is commonly recognized as both a surname and a given name in German-speaking areas and among diaspora communities, and it appears in various historical, literary, and cultural contexts. The name’s association with strength and steadfastness has contributed to its continued visibility in fiction and media, as well as in real-world naming practices.