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Show ContentsReid History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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The origins of the Reid surname are uncertain. In some instances, it was no doubt derived from the Old English word "read," meaning "red," and was a nickname that came to be a surname. Either way, we may conclude that it meant "red-haired" or "ruddy complexioned." [1] [2]

To confuse matters more, there are also instances where the surname Reid is thought to be derived from one of various place names, such as Read in Lancashire, and Rede in Suffolk.

Early Origins of the Reid family

The surname Reid was first found in Aberdeenshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Obar Dheathain), a historic county, and present day Council Area of Aberdeen, located in the Grampian region of northeastern Scotland where the name has been found since the 14th century. Ancient charters show the name as Rufus (Latinized,) records include an Ada Rufus who witnessed resignation of the lands of Ingilbristoun in 1204; and a William Rufus, who was a juror on an inquest on the lands of Padevinan in 1259. "Gilbert 'le Rede' of Coul was committed to prison and died there in 1296. Red is found as a surname in Aberdeen in 1317, and it is one of the oldest in the parish of Kildrummy. Patrick dictus Rede was on an assize at Rane in 1335, John Reed was collector of tithe in the deaneries of Stormonth and Atholl in 1362, and James Reed was bailie of the burgh of Stirling in 1364. Reeds were at one period a numerous Clan in Kyle. The first of the name there recorded is probably William Rede, son of John Reede. who had a confirmation of the lands and pertinents of Bairskemyn in Kyle in 1375. " [3]

For the purposes of Clan identification, the family name Reid is officially a sept of the Clan Robertson and as such is entitled to the Clan Badge and Crest of the Robertsons.

Early History of the Reid family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Reid research. Another 359 words (26 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1335, 1357, 1362, 1364, 1375, 1376, 1439, 1494, 1543, 1558, 1586, 1618, 1624, 1625, 1639, 1641, 1721, 1760, 1778, 1806, 1843 and 1917 are included under the topic Early Reid History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Reid Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Ried, Reid, Read, Reed and others.

Early Notables of the Reid family

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was

  • Robert Reid (died 1558), Scottish abbot of Kinloss and bishop of Orkney, son of John Reid of Aikenhead, who was killed at Flodden; Thomas Redi, Read or Rhaedus (died 1624), Latin secretary to King Jam...
  • General Reid Robertson (1721-1806), said to be descended from Alistair Ruadh of Strathardle, a Chieftain of the Reid Clan in Kyle, established the Reid chair of Music in Edinburgh University and compo...

Reid World Ranking

In the United States, the name Reid is the 232nd most popular surname with an estimated 114,402 people with that name. [4] However, in Canada, the name Reid is ranked the 37th most popular surname with an estimated 43,241 people with that name. [5] And in Quebec, Canada, the name Reid is the 527th popular surname. [6] Newfoundland, Canada ranks Reid as 14th with 942 people. [7] Australia ranks Reid as 69th with 33,800 people. [8] New Zealand ranks Reid as 35th with 5,572 people. [9] The United Kingdom ranks Reid as 90th with 51,282 people. [10]

Ireland Migration of the Reid family to Ireland

Some of the Reid family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 45 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

United States Reid migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Reid Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Gabriell Reid, aged 18, who arrived in New England in 1635 aboard the ship "Hopewell" [11]
  • Elizabeth Reid, who landed in Maryland in 1674 [11]
  • Abraham Reid, who arrived in Maryland in 1678 [11]
  • George Reid, who settled in East New Jersey in 1684
  • Andrew Reid, who landed in New Jersey in 1685 [11]
Reid Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Christian James Reid, who arrived in Georgia in 1738 [11]
  • Duncan Reid, who arrived in New York in 1739 [11]
  • John Reid, his wife and son, who settled in New York in 1739
  • Henry Reid, who landed in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania in 1751 [11]
  • Charles Reid, who was on record in Pensacola, FL in 1768
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Reid Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Daniel Reid, who landed in America in 1811 [11]
  • Isaiah Reid, aged 52, who landed in South Carolina in 1812 [11]
  • George Reid, aged 30, who arrived in Georgia in 1812 [11]
  • Adam Reid, who landed in Baltimore, Maryland in 1816 [11]
  • Forest Reid, who arrived in New York, NY in 1817 [11]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Canada Reid migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Reid Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Daniel Reid, who arrived in Montreal in 1770
  • Mr. James Reid U.E. who settled in Sissiboo [Digby], Dibgy County, Nova Scotia c. 1784 he served in the Loyalist Regiment [12]
  • Mr. William Reid U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 [12]
Reid Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • John Reid, aged 25, a farmer, who arrived in Pictou, Nova Scotia aboard the ship "Commerce" in 1803
  • Eliza Reid, aged 23, who arrived in Pictou, Nova Scotia aboard the ship "Commerce" in 1803
  • Alexander Reid, aged 3 1/4, who arrived in Pictou, Nova Scotia aboard the ship "Commerce" in 1803
  • Ann Reid, aged 1 1/4, who arrived in Pictou, Nova Scotia aboard the ship "Commerce" in 1803
  • Alexander Reid, who arrived in Canada in 1828
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Australia Reid migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Reid Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Jane Reid, British convict from Britain, who was transported aboard the "Alexander" on November 4, 1815, settling in New South Wales, Australia [13]
  • Miss Elizabeth Reid, (b. 1772), aged 46, Irish convict who was convicted in Longford, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Elizabeth" on 26th July 1818, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [14]
  • Mr. Alexander Reid, Scottish convict who was convicted in Edinburgh, Scotland for life, transported aboard the "Elizabeth" on 11th August 1820, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [14]
  • Alexander Reid, Scottish convict from Glasgow, who was transported aboard the "Agamemnon" on April 22, 1820, settling in New South Wales, Australia [15]
  • James Reid, a joiner, who arrived in Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania) sometime between 1825 and 1832
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Reid migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Reid Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Adam Reid, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Bengal Merchant" in 1840 [16]
  • David Reid, aged 39, a carpenter, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Bengal Merchant" in 1840 [16]
  • Thomas Reid, aged 23, a painter, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Bengal Merchant" in 1840 [16]
  • Mary Ann Reid, aged 20, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Bengal Merchant" in 1840 [16]
  • Mr. Reid, British settler travelling from London, UK aboard the ship "Bengal Merchant" arriving in Port Nicholson, (Wellington Harbour), New Zealand on 20th February 1840 [17]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Reid (post 1700) +

  • Prime Minister Sir George Houstoun Reid (1845-1918), Australian politician and statesman, Prime Minister for ten months in 1904/1905
  • Andrew "Andy" Reid (b. 1958), American NFL head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs who won Super Bowls LIV and LVII
  • Robert Keith Reid (1955-2024), American professional basketball player
  • John Spence Reid (1942-2022), American politician, Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1990 to 2008
  • Harry Mason Reid Jr. (1939-2021), American lawyer and politician, Senate Majority Leader (2007-2015), Senate Minority Leader (2015-2017), Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus (2005-2017), Senate Minority Whip (2003-2005)
  • Natalie Desselle Reid (1967-2020), American actress who performed in several films, including B.A.P.S., Def Jam's How to Be a Player, Set It Off and Cinderella
  • Ogden Rogers Reid (1925-2019), American politician and diplomat, U.S. Ambassador to Israel (1959-1961)
  • Antonio Reid (b. 1956), American songwriter, producer, and record company executive
  • David Reid (b. 1973), American boxer
  • John Reid (1721-1807), Scottish general, founder of the chair of music at the University of Edinburgh, son of Alexander Robertson of Straloch, Perthshire
  • ... (Another 37 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Empress of Ireland
  • Mr. H. Reid (d. 1914), British Fireman from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking [18]
  • Mr. James Reid (d. 1914), British Fireman from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking [18]
  • Mr. James Reid (d. 1914), British Trimmer from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking [18]
  • Mr. Charles Reid (d. 1914), English Third Class Passenger from Leicester, England, United Kingdom who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking [18]
Halifax Explosion
  • Master Samuel Raymond  Reid (1915-1917), Canadian resident from Protestant Orphanage, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) [19]
  • Miss Florence  Reid (1906-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) [19]
  • Miss Mary Florence  Reid (1906-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) [19]
HMAS Sydney II
HMS Cornwall
  • David Saville Reid (d. 1942), British Lieutenant with the Royal Marines aboard the HMS Cornwall when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking [21]
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. Neville Reid, British Lieutenant Commander, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking [22]
HMS Repulse
  • Mr. Thomas Reid, British Chief Petty Officer Telegraphist, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking, also sailed aboard the HMS Anking and was lost when it sunk 1942 [23]
  • Mr. James K Reid, British Engine Room Artificer, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking [23]
  • Mr. John G Reid, British sailor, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking [23]
HMS Royal Oak
  • David Reid (d. 1939), British Marine with the Royal Marine aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking [24]
Ibrox disaster
  • Matthew Reid (1922-1971), Scottish football supporter, from Lanarkshire who was at the Ibrox disaster on 2nd January 1971 when a human crush among the crowd killed 66 and injured 200 people he died of his injuries [25]
North Sea Flood
  • Adam McCann Reid, British traveler aboard the ferry "Princess Victoria" killed in the North Sea Flood, a major storm surge in 1953
RMS Lusitania
  • Mr. James Reid, English Seaman from Liverpool, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking [26]
  • Mr. Alfred Reid, English Third Waiter from Liverpool, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking [26]
  • Mrs. Ellen Reid, English 3rd Class passenger residing in New York, New York, USA, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking and was recovered [27]
  • Mr. Peter Reid, American 2nd Class passenger from Little Rock, Arkansas, USA, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking [27]
  • Mr. John H. Reid, English 3rd Class passenger returning from Trenton, New Jersey, USA going to work in the Woolwich Arsenal, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking [27]
SS Southern Cross
  • Mr. Benjamin Reid (1877-1914), Newfoundlander from Melbourne who was aboard the "SS Southern Cross" when it is suspected she sank between the 31st March 1914 and early April during the storm with a heavy load of pelts; no survivors were ever found
USS Arizona
  • Mr. Everett O. Reid, American Machinist's Mate First Class working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking [28]

The Reid Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Fortitudine et labore
Motto Translation: By fortitute and exertion.

Suggested Readings for the name Reid +

  • Dunkin-Reid and Garner-McGraw-Mobley Families of South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama by Dean Smith Cress.
  • The Nathan Reids Of Virginia in the March of Freedom by Elizabeth Reid Austin.
  • Reid Family, 1776-1974 by Maude Reid Tomlinson.
  1. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  2. Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
  3. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  4. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  5. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  6. "The first 1,000 family names by rank, Quebec (in French only)" Institut de la statistique du Quebec, https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/document/family-names-in-quebec/tableau/the-first-1000-family-names-by-rank-quebec
  7. The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
  8. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  9. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  10. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  11. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  12. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  13. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Alexander voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1815 with 12 passengers. Retrieved from Alexander voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1815 with 12 passengers
  14. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 3rd March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elizabeth
  15. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Agamemnon voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1820 with 179 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/agamemnon/1820
  16. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  17. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  18. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  19. Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
  20. HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
  21. Force Z Survivors Crew List HMS Cornwall (Retrieved 2018, February 13th) - Retrieved from https://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listcornwallcrew.html#A
  22. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  23. HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
  24. Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
  25. Bradford City Football Club In memory (retrieved 22nd March 2021). Retrieved from https://www.bradfordcityafc.com/club/in-memoriam/
  26. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 7) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
  27. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
  28. Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html
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