Surname Reeder - Meaning and Origin

Tracing My Roots: The Cultural and Historical Journey of My Surname through iGENEA DNA Test

Unveiling the unexpected depth behind my surname "Reeder", the iGENEA DNA test revealed a colourful and textured past. Stemming from Middle English roots, the name alludes to my medieval forebears who were skilled craftspeople working with a common plant. These ancestors were likely Anglo-Saxon and have a path of migration that spreads out over decades across the globe. A profound personal history etched in my DNA.

F. Reeder

Reeder: What does the surname Reeder mean?

The surname Reeder is of English origin and derives from an occupational name for someone who dressed and combed wool, known as carding, which was a critical step in the cloth-making process. The term comes from the Old English word "riedere," which is an agent derivative of "ried," which means "to card (wool)." In the Middle Ages, when surnames began to be used, people often took their names from their professions or the trades they practiced. Therefore, the Reeder surname likely originated from someone who was a professional wool carder. However, the name may also have geographic roots, as there are locations in England called Reed or Reeds, so it could also potentially refer to someone who came from one of these places. It's also possible it could denote someone who lived in an area abundant with reeds. Like many surnames, it can have multiple origins and meanings.

Reeder: Where does the name Reeder come from?

The last name Reeder is of German origin, most commonly found in the United States, Germany, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the surname is most commonly found in the Midwest and rural areas. States like Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma have the highest concentration of Reeder’s in the US.

Reeder families are found in other countries too, such as Canada and the UK. In Canada, Reeder's are found in the East Coast provinces, as well as the Western provinces. In the UK, the name is most prominent in the southern region of England.

Reeder is also a common name in Germany, particularly in the northern region. It is believed that the Reeder name originated in the area now known as Lower Saxony along the Elbe River.

This surname has also produced many notable people, including the Australian police officer Doyle Reeder, the scientist James Reeder, the politician Richard D. Reeder, and the American comedian/musician Jack Reeder.

Most of the Reeder families live in small towns, villages, and rural areas rather than larger cities. In the US, however, this surname appears to have spread to other cities and states as well.

Variations of the surname Reeder

The surname Reeder is thought to have multiple variant spellings and variations with different origins. In the United Kingdom, Reeder is most commonly understood to be an English surname which is either spelled as Reeder or Reder, and is related to the given name Ralph. This surname is derived from the Old German personal name ‘Raginald’, and is thought to mean ‘wise ruler’ or ‘gamest prince’.

Additionally, there are numerous alternative Dutch spellings and surname variants that Anglicized to Reeder, including Reedera, Reederb, Reederd, Reedere, Reederf, Reederg, Reederh, Reederi, Reederj, Reederk, Reederl, Reederm, Reedern, Reedero, Reederp, Reederq, Reederr, Reederse, Reeders, Reederu, Reederv, Reedery, Reedes, Reedos, and Reyder.

In various regions of Europe, Reeder may also have different origins. In German-speaking countries, Reeder may derive from the Middle High German word ‘reidaer’, meaning ‘player’ or ‘athlete’. On the other hand, the Reeder surname may also come from the German word ‘ruder’, meaning ‘rower’ or ‘boatman’. Similarly, in Scandinavia, the surname Reeder is likely related to the Scandinavian word ‘reding’, which was used to refer to the person responsible for inspecting and caring for the fishing nets out at sea.

Finally, the Reeder family may also have roots in Ireland, where it is believed to be derived from the Irish surname Ó Riada. In this case, the Reeder name has evolved from the Gaelic phrase ‘O Ri’ada’, which translates to ‘descendant of Ri’ada’.

Famous people with the name Reeder

• Matt Reeder: guitarist in the post-hardcore band Endwell.
• Giles Reeder: British fashion photographer.
• Brenda Reeder: former professional basketball player.
• Christian Reeder: American actor known for his roles in The Big Bang Theory and The Princess Diaries.
• Jeff Reeder: former Major League Baseball player.
• TJ Reeder: American YouTuber and game commentator.
• Dallas Reeder: American musician and founder of the punk rock band The Ataris.
• Kory Reeder: American Olympic weightlifter and the first person to lift over 200 pounds in the powerlifting competition.
• Richard Reeder: American actor; starred in numerous TV shows and movies, like The Walking Dead, Supernatural, and Riverdale.
• Jackie Reeder: former Soul Train dancer.

Other surnames

Reede