Reiglar

This very unusual name derives from the old French "Rigoleur" and is probably job descriptive for a professional comedian or even a court Jester, one employed to be funny. The earliest recording date, in England strongly suggests a "huguenot" origin, but if so, we have not been able to obtain absolute proof. The name recordings includes the spelling of Regler, Reglar, Reggler, Reiglar and Regglar, all being 18th Century recordings. These include the following examples, Nicholas Riglar, who married Margaret Welston on September 12th 1775; at St. Dunstans church, Stepney, whilst William Regler was recorded at St. Giles Church, Cripplegate, London on October 22nd 1799. Christopher Regler was a witness at St. Dunstans, Stepney on February 15th 1814, this church being an early "home" to the name. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Rebecca Riglere, which was dated October 20th 1772, who married Edward Jeffreys at St. Mary-le-Bone, London, during the reign of King George 111, known as "Farmer George", 1760 - 1820. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.