Redhead

Redhead is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English words "read," meaning red, and "heafod," meaning head. The name likely originated as a nickname for someone with red hair.

Notable Individuals

  • Ronnie Redhead (1920-1985) - A renowned British football player who played as a striker for several clubs in the 1940s.
  • Alice Redhead (born 1975) - A celebrated British artist known for her vivid and expressive paintings.
  • Sir William Redhead (1848-1923) - A prominent British politician and statesman who served as the Minister of Trade in the early 20th century.

Distribution

The surname Redhead is found predominantly in England, especially in the counties of Northumberland, Yorkshire, and Durham. Over time, individuals bearing the name have migrated to other English-speaking countries, such as Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Coat of Arms

The Redhead family crest typically features symbols associated with strength, loyalty, and protection. It often includes elements like a red shield, a lion, and heraldic devices that reflect the family's heritage and values.

Etymology

The surname Redhead is a classic example of a common practice in English naming conventions where physical attributes or characteristics are used to differentiate individuals. In this case, the term "redhead" likely referred to the individual's distinctive red hair colour.

References

  • The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland by Patrick Hanks, Richard Coates, and Peter McClure. Oxford University Press, 2016.
  • A Dictionary of English Surnames by P.H. Reaney and R.M. Wilson. Routledge, 1997.

There are approximately 3,099 people named Redhead in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,905th most common surname in Britain. Around 48 in a million people in Britain are named Redhead.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Deborah
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Joan
  • Karen
  • Laura
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sandra
  • 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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