Richthofen

Richthofen is a German surname, often seen in its noble form von Richthofen. The name belongs to a historic Prussian/German aristocratic family and is associated with contributions in geography, exploration, and military aviation.

Ferdinand von Richthofen (1833–1905) was a German geographer and traveler who helped popularize the term Silk Road, emphasizing cross-cultural contacts and geographic routes in Asia. His work influenced late 19th-century geography and exploration.

Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen (1892–1918), known as the Red Baron, was the leading fighter ace of World War I with about 80 confirmed air victories. He became a legendary figure in military aviation and aerial combat before his death in combat over France.

Wolfram Freiherr von Richthofen (1895–1945) was a German Luftwaffe field marshal during World War II. He held senior positions within the air force and served in various theaters of operation.

The von Richthofen family is part of the German nobility, with a toponymic surname indicating origin from a place associated with the name Richthofen. Through figures such as Ferdinand, Manfred, and Wolfram, the name has left a notable mark in the fields of geography and military aviation, shaping historical memory in both exploration and warfare.