REIDY
Reidy
Reidy is a surname of Irish origin, deriving from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Riada," meaning "descendant of Riada." The name is most commonly found in the west of Ireland, particularly in counties Kerry and Limerick.
Origin and Meaning
The Reidy surname can be traced back to ancient Gaelic tribes in Ireland. It is believed to have originated from the early medieval personal name "Riada," meaning "impulsive" or "ready." Over time, the name evolved to its current form of Reidy.
Distribution and Historical Significance
The Reidy surname is most prevalent in counties Kerry and Limerick in Ireland but can also be found in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with Irish diaspora communities, such as the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Throughout history, individuals bearing the Reidy surname have been involved in various professions and activities, including agriculture, trade, politics, and the arts. The name has contributed to the rich tapestry of Irish heritage and culture.
Notable Individuals
- Sean Reidy: Irish rugby player who has represented Ulster and the Irish national team.
- Desmond Reidy: A prominent historian known for his research on Irish medieval history.
Variants and Related Surnames
Variants of the Reidy surname include Reedy, Readey, and Reddy. It is also related to other Irish surnames with similar origins, such as O'Reilly and Riordan.
In conclusion, the Reidy surname holds a significant place in Irish history and heritage, representing a long line of individuals who have contributed to their communities and society at large.
There are approximately 1,269 people named Reidy in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,136th most common surname in Britain. Around 19 in a million people in Britain are named Reidy.
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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Joseph
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Sean
- Thomas
Female
- Alison
- Anne
- Catherine
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julia
- Linda
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Zarina
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.