As described in historical dictionaries

An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)

A forest officer, being mounted, and having the supervision of a large district. In the ballad of William of Cloudesly, the king, rewarding the dexterity of the archer who shot the apple from his child's head, says: "I give thee eightene pence a day, And my bowe thou shalt bere; And over all the north countre I make thee chyfe rydere."

Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.


Patronymica Britannica (1860)

RYDER. See Rider. Le Rydar, Le Eydere. H.R.

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.


Surname type: Occupational name

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

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