Last Name Redd

The surname Redd is of English origin and is derived from several possible sources. One possible origin is from a nickname for a red-haired person. In Old English, "read" meant red, and it was a common name given to people with red hair or a ruddy complexion. Another possible origin is from the Old Norse personal name Röðr, which means "red". This name was brought to England by Viking invaders in the 9th and 10th centuries and may have been adopted as a surname by people of Scandinavian descent. A third possible origin is from the Old English word "hreod," meaning "heath" or "moorland." The name Redd could have originally referred to someone who lived near a heath or moor, or it could have been a nickname for someone who had red-colored clothing. Overall, the exact origin of the surname Redd is unclear and may be difficult to determine with certainty due to the fact that many surnames developed from a combination of factors such as nicknames, place names, and personal names.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Redd

The meaning and origin of the last name Redd

The surname Redd is an anglicized form of various names with similar origins in different European languages. In Old English, it could originate from the byname "Raed," which means "counsel" or "advice." In Welsh, it may derive from the name Rees, meaning "ardor" or "passion." In Old Norse, it might stem from the personal name Rjodr, composed of "rjo" (fame) and "othr" (wealthy). Over time, these names evolved into the surname Redd in England. The Norman conquest of England in 1066 led to the introduction of numerous French and Norman names to the country, contributing to the variety of origins for the surname Redd.

Geographical distribution of the last name Redd

The Redd surname is predominantly found in English-speaking countries, with significant concentrations in England and America. In England, it is most common in the counties of Cumbria, Durham, Northumberland, and Yorkshire, indicating potential Norman origins due to the Normans' influence in those areas after the Conquest of 1066. In the United States, the distribution mirrors patterns of English immigration, particularly during the colonial period and the Great Migration in the 17th and 18th centuries. The surname can also be found in Canada and Australia, as a result of British colonization and migration. Additionally, there are pockets of Redd families in other countries, such as Ireland and South Africa, potentially due to historical migrations or trade links with Britain.

Variants and spellings of the last name Redd

The spelling of the surname Redd can vary due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors, and individual preferences. Some common variations include Read, Reid, Reed, Radd, Radde, Rad, Raed, and Rhead. These variations may originate from different geographical locations or historical periods. For example, the name Redd might have originated as Rad in Old English, later evolving into Read in Middle English, and then into its modern forms such as Reed and Redd. It is also possible for individuals to intentionally alter their surnames over time due to factors like immigration, assimilation, or personal choice.

Famous people with the last name Redd

The Redd family is notable for its contributions across various fields, including entertainment, science, and politics. One of the most prominent members is Zachariah Henry Redd, an African-American inventor who patented the first portable toilet and waste disposal system in 1891. In the realm of art, Red Grooms, born Charles Redd Grooms, is a renowned American sculptor, painter, and performance artist known for his populist urban scenes. From the world of entertainment, Jodie Redmond, also known as Jojo Siwa, is a young American dancer, singer, and YouTube personality who gained fame on the television series Dance Moms. In politics, Jim Redd was the Governor of Wyoming from 1983 to 1987. These individuals have left significant impacts in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Redd

The surname Redd originates from Old English and Old Norse roots, with variations such as Ryd, Ryde, Read, Reed, and Redd appearing throughout history. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is in Anglo-Saxon England during the 9th century, where a man named Rieda was listed as a witness to a charter. The name's origin can be traced back to either "rhod", meaning "red" or "ryd", meaning "clearing" or "ridge."

During the Middle Ages, the Redd family primarily resided in Northumberland and County Durham, with some branches migrating south to Yorkshire. In the 16th century, some members of the Redd family emigrated from England to the Americas, most notably to Virginia, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Notable figures bearing the name include Redd Foxx, a comedian and actor known for his role in Sanford and Son, and Charles William Redd, an American diplomat who served as Ambassador to Poland and Luxembourg.

The Redd surname has continued to evolve through centuries of migration and assimilation, with numerous branches existing worldwide today. Genealogical research continues to explore the diverse history and lineages of those carrying the Redd name.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Redd"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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