Reinoud

Reinoud is a Dutch masculine given name. It is a variant of the Germanic name Reinold (also seen as Reinwald), derived from the elements ragin- meaning “counsel” or “advice” and wald meaning “rule” or “power,” conveying the sense of a “wise ruler” or “counselor in ruling.” The form appears in medieval Dutch sources and has produced several regional spellings over time.

In the Netherlands and Flanders, Reinoud has been used since the Middle Ages. Variants include Reinout and Reinold; common short forms or nicknames include Rein and Rien. Reinout is closely related and is often treated as a separate given name in modern usage.

Today Reinoud remains a traditional but relatively uncommon Dutch name. It is chiefly encountered in Dutch-speaking areas, with cognate forms in German, French, and English. Related names include Reinold, Reinhold, Reinhard, Reynold, and Reynolds.

Notable bearers of the name (historical or contemporary) are primarily found in Dutch-speaking contexts and tend to reflect regional naming practices rather than a single famous figure. The name’s usage today tends to be cultural and historical rather than widely popular, and it may appear in genealogical records, literature, and church registries within the Netherlands and neighboring regions.

See also: Reinout, Reinold, Reinhold, Reinhard, Reynold, Reynolds.