Reuth

Reuth is a toponym used for several places in German-speaking regions, most often as a village, hamlet, or subdivision within a larger municipality. The name derives from the Middle High German riut or riut, meaning a cleared or cultivated area in a forest, reflecting historical origins as forest clearings established for settlement, agriculture, or monastic estates. As a result, many places named Reuth originated in the Middle Ages during eastward settlement or the expansion of monasteries and feudal estates.

In modern administration, Reuth localities are usually small and rural. In Germany, villages named Reuth can be found in several states, with concentrations in Bavaria and Saxony, where they function as part of larger communities. In some cases, Reuth was incorporated into neighboring towns during municipal reforms in the 19th and 20th centuries. The local features of each Reuth vary, but common elements include church buildings, farmsteads, and local roads connecting to the surrounding countryside. The exact status and governance of a Reuth depends on its municipality; some are independent settlements, others are districts or hamlets within larger towns.

The name is also found in other German-speaking countries, notably Austria and parts of Switzerland, though the density of places named Reuth is far lower there. Because of its generic meaning, multiple unrelated places share the designation, and readers should refer to the specific municipality to learn precise location and administrative details.