First found in Somerset, where the first on record was Elyas Rydhut listed in that county in the Rotui Hundredorum in 1274. There was a Ridout family established early in Edgbaston near Birmingham, and another in Yorkshire, where they intermarried with the distinguished Yorkshire family of Strangeways. A William Rydhowt was on record in the Poll Tax of Yorkshire in 1379.  

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More about the Rideout History...

Please remember that this page is only a small extract of our complete history that includes:

• Ancient origin of the name (usually pre-1100)
• Known spelling variations
• Early movement of the family name during the Middle Ages
• Noteworthy bearers from the 1500-1600s
• First settlers to North America
• Notable contemporary bearers of the name
• A description and/or full color picture of the Coat of Arms, Crest, and Motto (where available)

Many English families emigrated to North American colonies in order to escape the political chaos in Britain at this time. Unfortunately, many English families made the trip to the New World under extremely harsh conditions. Overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the stormy Atlantic. Despite these hardships, many of the families prospered and went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the United States and Canada. Early North American immigration records have revealed a number of people bearing the name Rideout or a variant listed above: James Rideout, who arrived in Massachusetts in 1676; Thomas Ridout who settled in New England in 1757; John Ridout, a bonded passenger, who came to America in 1767.

Motto Translated: Always a knight.

For more information on the last name Rideout, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.