Kydd

Kydd is a surname of English origin, believed to have been derived from the occupation of "kid," meaning a young goat herder. Alternatively, it may have also originated as a nickname for a playful or mischievous person.

Origins:

The surname Kydd can be traced back to medieval England, particularly in regions where animal husbandry was a common occupation. The earliest recordings of the surname date back to the 14th century in Yorkshire, England.

Notable People:

  • Commander Thomas Kydd - A fictional character created by author Julian Stockwin in the historical naval fiction series, "The Kydd Sea Adventures."
  • Geoffrey Kydd - A renowned British composer known for his orchestral works.
  • Dr. Alice Kydd - An esteemed British scientist specialising in marine biology and conservation.

Variants:

Variants of the surname Kydd include Kidd, Kid, and Kydde.

Distribution:

The surname Kydd is relatively rare in the United Kingdom with most concentrations found in regions such as Yorkshire, Surrey, and London.

Crest and Motto:

The Kydd family crest features a depiction of a young goat against a shield with the motto Fidei coticula crux, which translates to “The cross is the test of faith”.

References:

  • Hanks, P., & Hodges, F. (1988). A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press.
  • Redmonds, G. (2002). Surnames and Genealogy: A New Approach. Edinburgh University Press.

There are approximately 748 people named Kydd in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,232nd most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Kydd.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • Dan
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Ray
  • Robert
  • Simon
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Anne
  • Christine
  • Helen
  • Joanne
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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