Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.
RIDER
As described in historical dictionaries
Patronymica Britannica (1860)
RIDER. A forest-ofiicer, who, having a large district to supervise, was mounted, in contradistinction to the ivalker. See Walker. He was sometimes called a " ridingforester," and it was his duty to lead the King in his hunting. Nelson's Laws of Game. Rider is also local. In the Siege of Carlaverock, we are told — " William de Ridre was there, who in a blue banner bore crescents of gold." He is elsewhere called Ryther, and he probably took his name from the place so called in Yorkshire. Rjder, Lord Harrowb}', claims fron that source, and bears the same arms with a slight addition. H.R. Le Ridere.
Surname type: Occupational name
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English