REA

Rea

Rea is a surname of British origin, with historical roots in various parts of the United Kingdom.

Etymology

The surname Rea is derived from the Old Irish name Ó Ria, meaning "descendant of Ria." The name Ria itself is believed to be derived from the word rí, meaning "king" or "sovereign."

Distribution

The surname Rea is found mainly in Northern Ireland and Scotland, with some presence in other parts of the United Kingdom. It is also relatively common in other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, due to historical emigration patterns.

Notable Bearers

John Rea

• John Rea (c. 1586–c. 1662) was a renowned composer and music theorist from Scotland. He is best known for his work on Scottish lute music and his treatise on music theory, A Brief Introduction to the Skill of Musick.

Barbara Rea

• Barbara Rea (b. 1950) is a British artist known for her vibrant and abstract paintings. Her work has been exhibited in galleries across the UK and internationally.

Variants

Variants of the surname Rea include Rae and Ray, which might be used interchangeably depending on regional dialects and historical influences.

References

For more information on the surname Rea and its variations, one might consult genealogical records, historical archives, and family histories to trace the origins and evolution of this distinctive British surname.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

• Andrew
• Christopher
• David
• James
• John
• Mark
• Michael
• Paul
• Peter
• Robert
• Stephen
• William

Female

• Catherine
• Elizabeth
• Emma
• Gillian
• Helen
• Margaret
• Mary
• Michelle
• Nicola
• Pamela
• Sarah
• Susan

Similar and related surnames

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