The spelling of the surname "Rehm" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ɹɛm/. The first sound is the "r" sound, which is a voiced alveolar approximant. The second sound is the "eh" sound, which is a short "e" pronounced as /ɛ/. Lastly, the "m" sound is added to the end of the word, which is a voiced bilabial nasal. The spelling of the word "Rehm" accurately reflects the pronunciation of this surname in American English.
The word "Rehm" is a German surname. It belongs to a group of surnames derived from personal names, also known as patronymic surnames. In this case, "Rehm" is derived from the personal name "Reinhold" (sometimes spelled "Reinhardt" or "Reynold").
"Reinhold" is of Germanic origin and originated from a combination of two elements: "ragin" meaning "counsel" or "advice", and "wald" meaning "rule" or "power". The combination of these elements gives the name the meaning "ruler with good counsel" or "powerful advisor".
Over time, surnames evolved as a way to distinguish individuals within a community or family.