Last Name Kidd

The surname "Kidd" has multiple origins. It can be an Anglicized form of various Gaelic and Irish names derived from the given names Cáid, Cathaidh (Cathal), Caoidheach, and Caomhthacht, which mean 'warlike', 'battle' or 'victory'. It can also be a variant of Kid, an English occupational name for a child minder or nurse. Another possible origin is from the Scottish Gaelic Mac Cioda, meaning "son of Cioadhach," where Cioadhach was a personal name meaning "battle-ready." The surname Kidd can also be found in Scotland and Ireland, suggesting it has roots in both cultures.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kidd

The meaning and origin of the last name Kidd

The surname Kidd is of Old Norse origin, derived from the Scandinavian personal name "Ketil" or "Kjetil," which means "small cylinder" or "hollow." This Viking name was brought to Britain and Ireland by the invasions in the late 9th century. Over time, it underwent various spelling evolutions, such as Kedd, Kidde, and Kydde, before settling into its current form, Kidd. The name has also been found in Scotland, suggesting a connection to the Viking settlements there. Notable bearers of the surname include John Kidd, an Australian racing car driver, and William Kidd, infamously known as Captain Kidd, a British pirate.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kidd

The surname Kidd is predominantly found in English-speaking countries, particularly Scotland and Ireland, due to its Celtic and Gaelic origins. Historically, the name was more prevalent in Scotland's Dumfries and Galloway regions, as well as the Irish counties of Antrim and Down. Over time, migration patterns have led to a significant number of Kidd descendants residing in other parts of the United Kingdom, North America (particularly the United States and Canada), Australia, and New Zealand. Today, the distribution of the Kidd surname reflects these historical and migratory movements, with concentrations not only in the original homelands but also in other English-speaking countries where Scots and Irish immigrants settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kidd

The surname Kidd can be found with various spelling variations, reflecting differences in regional pronunciation and historical recording practices. Some of these variants include Kidde, Kydde, Kyd, Kydd, Kid, Kidds, Kiddey, Kyddey, and Kiddo. These alterations often stem from the use of different English dialects, changes in spelling conventions over time, or transcription errors made by scribes during the process of recording names. Despite these variations, all of these surnames can be traced back to a common origin, making them part of the same family name.

Famous people with the last name Kidd

Notable individuals bearing the surname Kidd include:

1) Steve Kidd, an Australian professional rugby league footballer who played for clubs like Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the National Rugby League (NRL). He was a member of the 1988 Canterbury premiership team.

2) Billy Kidd, an American former alpine ski racer who competed in three Winter Olympics. He won a silver medal in the giant slalom at the 1964 Winter Olympics and later became a coach for the US Ski Team.

3) Richard "Dick" Kidd, an American professional baseball player who played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1950 to 1962. He won two World Series titles with the New York Yankees and was a member of the 1954 All-Star Game.

4) Peter Kidd, a British zoologist known for his work on the evolutionary ecology of marine invertebrates. He has served as the Director of the Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen, Scotland.

5) Sarah Kidd, an American actress who is best known for her roles in television series such as "The West Wing" and "NCIS." She also appeared in the films "Apollo 13" and "The Pelican Brief."

Genealogical research on the last name Kidd

The surname Kidd originated from Scotland, specifically the Scottish Borders region where it was initially a nickname for a mischievous or impish person. The name is believed to have been derived from the Middle English word "kide," meaning young goat, suggesting a playful and prankster-like nature associated with this family name. Over time, the Kidd family migrated to other parts of Britain, most notably to Ireland and England. In the 17th century, some members of the Kidd clan emigrated to America, establishing themselves primarily in New England. Notable figures bearing the surname Kidd include pirate William Kidd, who operated in the late 17th century, and Canadian ice hockey player Hayley Wickenheiser, who won numerous Olympic medals for Canada. Today, the Kidd family is found throughout the English-speaking world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kidd"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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