Origin & Meaning of the Reed Surname
What does the last name Reed mean?
The surname Reed carries the meaning "Nickname for a person with red hair, or who lived near reeds." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 277,030 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Reed ranks as the #73 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Reed come from?
The Reed surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Reed name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Reed trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Reed |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Nickname for a person with red hair, or who lived near reeds |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #73 |
| US Count (2010) | 277,030 |
| Per 100K People | 93.92 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Reed
According to the US Census, the Reed surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 277,030 Americans with the Reed last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 71.29% |
| Black | 22.63% |
| Hispanic | 2.22% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.51% |
| Native American | 1.05% |
| Two or More Races | 2.3% |
Popularity of Reed Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Reed surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Reed surname increased by 9,587 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Reed Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Reed
- ✓ The Reed coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Reed families live today
- ✓ Notable Reed bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Reed
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Reed.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Reed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reed
Top Surnames Starting with R
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter R, ranked by population.
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