Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Reid

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Red Headed

      Variations

      Reidar, Breidi, Freida
      The name Reid, originating from English language, derives its meaning from the term red headed. This name is primarily associated with individuals who possess hair color ranging from auburn to a deep shade of red. Throughout history, the name Reid has been found in various contexts, reflecting its usage in different cultures and time periods.

      In ancient times, red hair was often associated with divine or mythical beings, such as the Norse gods Thor and Loki. Consequently, individuals named Reid may have been revered or perceived as having a connection to these deities. Moreover, red hair also held symbolic significance in ancient Celtic cultures, where it was believed to be associated with magical abilities or heightened spiritual powers.

      In modern-day usage, the name Reid remains prevalent, preserving its connection to individuals with red hair. Furthermore, it has also become a popular first name among English-speaking cultures, independent of hair color. It is not uncommon to find individuals named Reid in various professions, such as academia, law, or even entertainment. The name Reid continues to serve as a distinctive identifier, evoking characteristics of strength, individuality, and perhaps a touch of the mythical roots that lie in its etymology.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Reid.
      Mary

      Mary

      This is the most common name of those married to a Reid.
      Reid

      Reid

      This is the most common name for a child of a Reid.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1892 is when there were the most people born with the first name Reid.

      Explore the origins of another name.