Reini

Reini is a masculine given name and informal nickname in German-speaking regions. It commonly functions as a diminutive of names that begin with Rein-, such as Reinhold and Reinhard. The suffix -i is a widespread affectionate ending in German, yielding Reini alongside other familiar forms like Sigi, Berti, or Günni. In Austria and parts of southern Germany, Reini is often used as an independent given name, not only as a nickname.

Etymology and usage: The Rein- element is derived from a Germanic root associated with purity or strength; the exact interpretation depends on the parent name. Reini is primarily a pet or familiar form, but it may appear on birth certificates in some families or communities, especially in the mid-to-late 20th century.

Geographical distribution: The name has greatest usage in Austria (including Tyrol and Styria) and southern Germany (Bavaria, parts of Swabia), reflecting regional naming practices.

Cultural references: As a form of Reinhold or Reinhard, Reini shares roots with other Rein- names; it can appear in literature and media to evoke a German-speaking character in a familiar, informal register. Variants include Reni, Rene, or Renni, though these may have separate etymologies in other languages.

Notable people: There are no widely known individuals whose primary public identity is simply “Reini,” though the name appears among local figures and fictional characters.