Surname Reade - Meaning and Origin
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Reade: What does the surname Reade mean?
The surname Reade is of English origin and it has a handful of possible meanings from various sources. Primarily, it is derived from the Old English word "read," meaning "red", and would have initially been a nickname for a person who had red hair or a ruddy complexion. This was a common practice in medieval England where many people were recognized by physical attributes. Another possible origin suggests that Reade might have been a name given to someone who lived in a clearing, which is "rod" in Old English. Reade can also be an occupational name referring to someone who makes or uses reeds, especially in making thatch roofs. Surnames often developed based on a person's residence, physical attributes, or occupation, which is likely where Reade originated. It is also possible that it evolved from the Old English personal name "Hrēod" meaning famous or glorious. As with many surnames, specific meanings can vary based on geographical location and linguistic influences.
Order DNA origin analysisReade: Where does the name Reade come from?
The surname Reade is an English name that originated from a place name. It is derived from the Old English word 'read', meaning 'red', combined with a second element meaning 'hill' or 'ridge'. This indicates that the original bearer of the surname lived in a place with red-coloured land, or a place near a red hill or ridge. The surname may also have come from any of the various places called Rede in the areas of Gloucestershire, Lancashire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Wiltshire.
The current distribution of the surname Reade is very concentrated in the United Kingdom. The most populous regions for it are Lancashire and London, followed by Devon, Somerset, and Norfolk. According to the 1881 British Census, it had a presence in almost every parish in England. It is much rarer in Scotland, with a distinct concentration in Aberdeen and Perthshire.
On a global scale, the surname Reade is most commonly found throughout the former colonies of the British Empire due to its prevalence in England. Currently, the United States has the most Reade’s as a result of waves of immigration from Britain in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Canada and Australia, as well as New Zealand, also have an established presence of Reade’s. Other regions in which this surname is found include South Africa, where a family with this surname immigrated to from Scotland in the 19th century, and India, where a significant portion of Reade's may come from Scottish-Indian ancestry.
Variations of the surname Reade
The surname Reade has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants in terms of spelling are Reede, Reide, Reed, Rede, and Reede. Other variants can include Read, Reade, Readee, Readey, and Reedy.
In terms of surnames of the same origin, some of the most common ones are Reid, Read, Readey, and Reedy. These surnames have similar origins to the surname Reade, but had variations in spelling and pronunciation over time. In some cases, Reade, Read, Reid, and Reedy have been used interchangeably over centuries.
Other variants of the surname Reade include Readey, Reidy, Reece, Rhoads, Rhoads-Reed, and Rhodes. Some of these may have originated from a place in England, Scotland, or Ireland, while others may be a derivative of the name Reade.
The surname Reade can be traced back to the 11th century, with a mention of a Robert Reade in the Red Book of the Exchequer in 1162. Since then, many of the variants and surnames of the same origin have grown in popularity around the world. Today, the spellings and surnames associated with the surname Reade are still common, although the prevalence of each is determined largely by the geographic region where the surname is used.
Famous people with the name Reade
- Alexander Reade: a British General and Adjutant-General to the Forces during the reign of Queen Victoria.
- Stephen Reade: a British television presenter, best known for his daytime show "Britain's Brightest Family".
- Ben Reade: a British author, broadcaster and former British Armed Forces reservist.
- Chloë Reade: a British professional dancer and singer who has competed on Dancing with the Stars.
- Edward Reade: an English lawyer, barrister, and politician who served as Solicitor General for England and Wales from 1852 to 1855 and Lord Chief Justice from 1855 to 1869.
- Emma Reade: a British film director who is best known for her work on the 2020 film "A Christmas Movie Story".
- Neil Reade: a British actor who has appeared in television shows such as" Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles", "The Bill", and the television movie "Filth: The Mary Whitehouse Story".
- Roger Reade: a British sculptor who is best known for his "Pencil Column" on the grounds of Eton College entitled "Etonborrow Column".
- Sean Reade: a British television producer and director, best known for his work on the "Merlin" series and the "Clash of the Titans" remake.
- Thomas Reade: a British vice-admiral in the Royal Navy and vice-admiral of the Red from 1794 to 1800.