reid

Reid is a surname and, less commonly, a given name. It is widely found in the English-speaking world and is particularly common in Scotland and among descendants in North America.

The surname Reid derives from Read or Reed, forms that come from Old English or Old Norse roots meaning red or ruddy. It likely originated as a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion, and it can also have originated as a toponymic name from places named Read or Reed.

Variants and distribution: Variants include Read and Reed; the spelling Reid shows regional forms and different pronunciations in various dialects. The name is especially associated with Scotland, but it is also common in Ireland, England, and North America due to migration.

Reid is also used as a masculine given name in modern times in North America, often derived from the surname or chosen for its brevity and straightforward pronunciation.

In culture and geography, the name has been borne by public figures in politics, sports, and the arts, as well as by fictional characters. There are places and institutions named Reid, reflecting its use as a toponymic or commemorative name.

Disambiguation: Reid may refer to people, places, or organizations, and is often encountered in historical records, biographies, and geographic references. Related surnames include Read and Reed.