rétti

Réti is a Hungarian surname derived from the noun rét, meaning meadow. The form réti functions as an adjective meaning meadow-related and appears in place names and descriptive phrases; capitalized as Réti, it is used as a family name in Hungarian-speaking communities. The name is most common in Hungary and among people of Hungarian descent, and it has spread to other countries through migration and diaspora.

Notable bearers include Richard Réti, a prominent chess master and theoretician of the early 20th century. He contributed to chess theory within the hypermodern framework and is associated with the Réti Opening, typically begun with 1 Nf3 d5, as well as with the Réti endgame, both named in his honor and influential in the development of modern chess strategy.

Beyond chess, the surname Réti appears among Hungarians in various professions, including arts and academia, but Richard Réti remains the best-known bearer of the name in international contexts. The form without diacritics, Ret, or other transliterations, may be encountered in non-Hungarian contexts, reflecting the common practice of adapting Hungarian names for broader use.

In summary, Réti denotes a Hungary-origin surname linked to landscape terminology, most famously associated with chess theory through Richard Réti and the openings and endgames named after him.