Rhead History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

The origins of the Rhead 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 Rhead is thought to be derived from one of various place names, such as Read in Lancashire, and Rede in Suffolk.

Early Origins of the Rhead family

The surname Rhead 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 Rhead 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 Rhead family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rhead 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 Rhead History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rhead Spelling Variations

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

Early Notables of the Rhead 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...

Migration of the Rhead family to Ireland

Some of the Rhead 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.

Rhead migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Rhead Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Mrs. Rhead, aged 24, who arrived in America from England, in 1903
Mr. William Bertrand Rhead, aged 27, who arrived in America from Newcastle, in 1904
Clara Rhead, aged 26, who arrived in America from Harley, England, in 1904
George Rhead, aged 50, who arrived in America, in 1906
Harry George Rhead, aged 26, who arrived in America from Newcastle, Staffordshire, England, in 1908
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Rhead (post 1700) +

Louis John Rhead (1857-1926), English-born American poster artist, illustrator, author and angler
Frederick Hurten Rhead (1880-1942), English potter, son of Frederick Alfred Rhead, founder of Rhead Pottery (1913-1917)
Frederick Alfred Rhead (1856-1933), English potter working in North Staffordshire, father of Charlotte Rhead
Charlotte Rhead (1885-1947), English ceramics designer
Matthew James "Matt" Rhead (b. 1984), English professional footballer for Mansfield Town

The Rhead 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.

Citations +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
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)