Surname Reid - Meaning and Origin

iGENEA DNA Test: A Journey of Unraveling the Reid Family History, An Embroidered Tapestry of Global Lineage

The results from my iGENEA DNA test have reshaped my perception of the Reid family lineage. It has revealed a delightful weave of diverse global connections in our genes, bridging my immediate family with a distant past. This powerful revelation has led to a profound re-evaluation of the Reid ancestry, which has been tied with the Scottish tapestry; however, the new findings present an intriguing combination of Nordic and Celtic lineage as well, transforming the simple understanding of our history into a comprehensive multi-layered heritage narrative.

V. Reid

Reid: What does the surname Reid mean?

The surname Reid originates from Scotland and northern England. Derived from the Old English word "read", which means "red", it was often used as a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. The name began to be used as a surname in the Middle Ages, carrying over the nickname as a form of identification, particularly for redheads. Over time, it became established as a family name. It's also thought that the name could have occupational roots, possibly given to a person who lived in a clearing or worked on the land. Today, it is common in English-speaking countries worldwide. Despite its simple origins, this surname has been borne by noteworthy individuals in various fields, contributing to its continuing popularity and use.

Reid: Where does the name Reid come from?

The surname Reid originates from Scotland and Northern England. It is derived from the Old English word "read," which means "red". In ancient times, it was often used as a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. Some of the earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the 13th century in Scotland.

The Reid surname is common across English-speaking countries, with the highest concentration in Scotland, followed by England. Despite its Scottish roots, Reid is also quite prevalent in the United States, Canada, and Australia due to immigration from the UK over centuries. Today, the name should not be confused with the similar-looking 'Reed', which can have different origins, including English and German. Nordic countries may also have ‘Reid’ surnames, but these are typically derived from a different etymology related to geographical elements or from personal names. This surname also appears within multiple ethnic groups including those of African and Asian descent, often due to western naming influences during colonial periods.

Variations of the surname Reid

The surname Reid has various variants and spellings due to its roots in different cultures and languages. The name originated from the Old English word "read", meaning red, and was often given to people with red hair or a ruddy complexion.

The common variants and spellings include Reed, Reade, Read, and Redd. The Scottish variants of Reid include Macredie and MacCreath. Irish versions of Reid include O'Riada, O'Riordan, and Riordan. In Northern Ireland, Reid has some roots in the Gaelic Ó Maoildeirg, Ó Maoilriain, Ó Raghallaigh, and Mac an Bhreithiún, but English versions like Read or Reed have also been used.

There are also some unusual spellings such as Reede, Reide, Reeed and Reeede. The surname Reid has also been anglicized into Ryder, Ridd, Rhydderch, and Rudder, among others.

University professor and author Donald M. Reid mentions other variations such as Reidy, Riedy, and Riedy-Reid. The surname Reid even has a variant in Dutch, Rood, and in German, Rot or Rote. The Reid family crest has been spelled using different variations over the centuries, reflecting the diversity and cultural mix of this notable surname.

Famous people with the name Reid

• Tara Reid: An American actress, best known for her roles in movies like "American Pie" and "The Big Lebowski."
• Riley Reid: An award-winning adult film actress.
• John Reid: A British Labour Party politician.
• Andy Reid: An American football coach, specifically for the Kansas City Chiefs.
• Virginia Reid: Better known as 'Queen V', an American television personality and socialite.
• Nadine Reid: A well-known Irish media figure and presenter.
• Joy-Ann Reid: An American television host and national correspondent for MSNBC.
• Susanna Reid: A British journalist and presenter, known for hosting Good Morning Britain.
• Tim Reid: An American actor and film director, known for his roles in "WKRP in Cincinnati" and "Sister, Sister."
• Eric Reid: An American football safety player formerly for the San Francisco 49ers and now the Carolina Panthers.
• Billy Reid: An American fashion designer based out of Florence, Alabama.
• Reid Garrett Hoffman: Cofounder and executive chairman of LinkedIn.
• James Reid: A Filipino-Australian actor, singer-songwriter, dancer, and record producer.
• Ryan Reid: A professional baseball player from Florida, USA.
• Dominic Reid: A well-known architect and conservationist.
• Thomas Reid: A famous philosophical thinker.

Other surnames

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