Reynold

Reynold is a given name and surname found primarily in English-speaking countries. The name originates from the Old Germanic elements *regin*, meaning “counsel” or “advice,” and *wald*, meaning “power” or “rule.” The earliest recorded use in English documents dates to the late Middle Ages, when it appeared as a first name among Norman influence in England. Over time, the spelling evolved, producing variants such as Reynald, Reynald, and the more widespread Reynolds, which follows the patronymic pattern that added the suffix -s to denote “son of Reynold.”

The surname Reynold has historically been associated with families in the Midlands and the North of England, and it later spread to North America during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Genealogical records show that the name carried a modest social status, often linked to landholding and local governance. In some regions, the name was localized to families who served as clerks, watchmen, or customs officers.

Notable persons bearing the name include the English theologian and court physician John Reynold (c. 1555–1609), who served King James I; the South African evangelist John H. Reynold (1848–1919), known for his missionary work in Mozambique; and the American architect Edwin Reynold (1875–1932), credited with designing several civic buildings in the Midwest. In contemporary contexts, the name is occasionally used as a middle name or as part of a double surname.

In popular culture, “Reynold” has appeared in literature and film occasionally as a character name, often chosen for its Old English resonance. While not as common as its derivative Reynolds, Reynold remains a distinct and historically grounded name.