Reid is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the surname Reid, which is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Mac Raghnaill. The surname Mac Raghnaill comes from the personal name Raghnall, which is a variant of the Irish name Ragallach. Ragallach is believed to mean "four-rowed pennant" or "battle flag," suggesting that Reid may have originated as a nickname for someone who carried a banner into battle.
The surname Reid has been present in Scotland for centuries and was often associated with the Scottish Borders region, where it remains common today. In fact, one of the most notable historical figures to bear the Reid name was Sir William Reid of Culter, who fought alongside Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
The name Reid began to be used as a given name in Scotland during the late medieval period and has since become quite popular. It is also found in other parts of the world with Scottish ancestry or influence, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Today, Reid continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking a strong, distinctive name for their sons. While its meaning may vary depending on which source you consult, it is generally agreed that Reid is associated with courage, bravery, and martial prowess.
In recent years, the name Reid has gained further popularity thanks to its use in popular culture. For example, Reid is the last name of the character Rachel Reid in the television series "90210," as well as the surname of several characters in the "Divergent" trilogy by Veronica Roth. These portrayals may have contributed to the ongoing appeal of the name Reid for parents today.
Overall, Reid is a name with a rich history and strong associations, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a meaningful and distinctive name for their child.
Based on the statistical data provided for the name Reid in the United States from 1962 to 2023, we can observe several trends:
* The name Reid experienced a significant increase in popularity between the late 1980s and early to mid-1990s. The highest number of births recorded during this period was in 1994 with 34 births.
* After reaching its peak in the mid-1990s, the name Reid maintained a relatively consistent level of popularity throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, with an average of around 20-30 births per year.
* The popularity of the name Reid began to rise again around the mid-2000s, with more than 25 births recorded each year between 2004 and 2016. This trend has continued into recent years, with over 30 births recorded annually since 2010.
* The most recent data available shows that the name Reid reached its highest point of popularity in the past decade in 2020, with 43 births recorded that year.
* Overall, from 1962 to 2023, there have been a total of 927 births recorded for the name Reid in the United States. This data reflects the steady and increasing popularity of the name over time.
It's interesting to note that while the name Reid may not have always been one of the most popular choices among parents in the United States, it has consistently maintained a notable presence throughout recent decades. It will be fascinating to see if this trend continues and whether or not the name Reid remains popular in the coming years.