Surname · English origin
Reed
Meaning
The surname Reed means Red-haired.
Origin
English
Type
descriptive
Variants
2
The origin of the surname Reed
Reed comes from the Old English read, “red,” for red hair or complexion.
What kind of surname is Reed?
Reed is a descriptive surname, originally describing a physical or personal characteristic. It belongs to the English naming tradition — you can read how English surnames were formed on our English last names page.
Variants & spellings of Reed
You may also see this surname written as:
- Reid
- Read
Other English surnames
Other descriptive surnames
Family names formed the same way, from different cultures.
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Reed mean?
The surname Reed means Red-haired. Reed comes from the Old English read, “red,” for red hair or complexion.
Where does the surname Reed come from?
Reed is a surname of English origin.
What kind of surname is Reed?
Reed is a descriptive surname, originally describing a physical or personal characteristic.
What are other spellings of Reed?
Variant spellings of Reed include Reid, Read.
What are other English surnames?
Other English surnames include Bailey, Baker, Brown, Chapman, Clarke, Cook.