Rehill

The surname REHILL is believed to have originated in the northern regions of England, specifically in Yorkshire and Lancashire, during the late medieval period. Its roots can be traced back to the Old English words "reohha" or "rēa," meaning "roe deer," and "hyll," meaning "hill" or "slope." This suggests that the name may have initially referred to a particular geographic location or a place where roe deer were abundant.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name REHILL can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire, dating back to the 13th century. These were financial records maintained by the English Exchequer, where the name "Reyhull" was mentioned in connection with land transactions or tax payments.

The REHILL surname also appears in various historical documents from the 14th and 15th centuries, such as the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379, where it was listed as "Rayhill." This variation in spelling was common during that era, as standardized spelling conventions had not yet been established.

One notable individual bearing the REHILL surname was John Rehill, a priest who lived in the late 15th century. He was mentioned in the records of the Diocese of York, where he served as a rector in the village of Settrington.

Another prominent figure was Sir William Rehill, a wealthy landowner and merchant who lived during the 16th century. He was involved in trade between England and the Netherlands, and his name appears in several commercial records from the port cities of Hull and London.

In the 17th century, the REHILL surname can be found in the parish records of various Yorkshire villages, such as Haworth and Keighley. One example is Thomas Rehill, who was baptized in Haworth in 1635.

Moving into the 18th century, the name REHILL was also present in the Scottish Borders region, particularly in the counties of Berwickshire and Roxburghshire. This suggests that the name may have spread northward from its English origins.

One notable Scottish individual with the REHILL surname was James Rehill, a farmer and landowner who lived in the late 18th century. He was involved in the local agricultural community and was mentioned in several property records from the town of Duns.

By the 19th century, the REHILL surname had become more widely distributed throughout England, Scotland, and even parts of Ireland, where it may have been introduced through migration or intermarriage. Notable individuals from this period include William Rehill, a prominent artist and engraver born in London in 1817, and John Rehill, a Scottish poet and writer who lived in the latter half of the 19th century.