Rilkes

Rilkes refers to people bearing the surname Rilke, used in the plural form to denote a group or family with that name. The surname is of German origin and is most closely associated with the Bohemian-Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke.

The best-known bearer of the name is Rainer Maria Rilke (1875–1926), born in Prague (then part of Austria-Hungary). He became one of the major figures in German-language poetry, renowned for works such as the Duino Elegies and the Sonnets to Orpheus. His prominence has led to the surname Rilke being recognized in literary and biographical contexts.

Beyond Rainer Maria Rilke, the surname Rilke is relatively uncommon. Historically, bearers of the name were concentrated in German-speaking parts of Central Europe, including Bohemia and Austria; in the modern era, individuals with the surname may reside in various countries due to migration and diaspora.

In usage, Rilkes as a plural can appear in biographical or genealogical writing to refer collectively to people with the surname Rilke. The term primarily evokes the poet and his cultural legacy, which has contributed to the recognition of the name in literary history.