Reid

♂ Boy

Pronounced REED /riːd/High

Meaning: Red-haired; one with a ruddy complexionHigh

In 30 seconds: A crisp Scottish name meaning 'red-haired.' Reid is one syllable of pure Caledonian cool — sharp, direct, and confident, with the warmth of a copper-red sunset and none of the fussiness of longer names.

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Origin HighScottish, English

MeaningRed-haired; one with a ruddy complexion

U.S. rank (2025)#293 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births1,150 boys (0.06% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2014

Total births (all-time)≈ 40,788

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Reid is a Scottish surname derived from the Old English or Old Scots read (red), used as a descriptive byname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. The Scottish spelling Reid distinguishes it from the English Reed (a plant) or Read. It became one of the most common surnames in Scotland, particularly in Lowland regions.

As a given name, Reid has been used in the United States and Canada since the 19th century, particularly in families with Scottish ancestry. It has been gaining ground in the 21st century as part of the fashion for clean, monosyllabic surname names, entering the top 300 for boys.

Did you know? Reid is one of the most common surnames in Scotland, and the Scottish form Reid (as opposed to English Reed) reflects the Scots pronunciation of the colour red — a small orthographic distinction with a clear cultural identity.

Overall data confidence 92%

Behind the Name — Reid — etymology notesU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ReedRead

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Reid Hoffman (1967–present)
American technology entrepreneur and co-founder of LinkedIn.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Reid mean?

Reid is a Scottish surname meaning 'red-haired' or 'one with a ruddy complexion,' from Old Scots read (red).

How do you pronounce Reid?

It is said REED /riːd/ — one syllable.

Is Reid a boy or girl name?

Reid is used predominantly as a boys' name, though it occasionally appears for girls.

How popular is Reid?

Reid has been in the U.S. top 300 for boys in recent years.