Reid is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the surname which was an Anglicized form of the Gaelic 'Raghallach', meaning "red-haired". The name Reid is believed to have been originally bestowed upon people with red hair, as was common in medieval Scotland.
The first recorded use of the name Reid as a given name is thought to be in the late 18th century. However, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that Reid began to gain popularity as a boys' name in English-speaking countries. Today, Reid is often used as both a boys' and girls' name, although it remains more popular for males.
Reid has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history, including American politician Harry Reid and Canadian ice hockey player Ryan Reid. In popular culture, the name Reid has been used in various movies, TV shows, and books, further contributing to its familiarity and appeal.
Overall, Reid is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history and a compelling origin story. It's easy to see why this name continues to be chosen by parents today, as it offers a perfect blend of uniqueness and approachability.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Reid has seen varying popularity among parents in the United States over the years. The earliest data available starts from 1886 with 6 births that year. The number of births fluctuated significantly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, ranging from a low of 5 births in 1905 to a peak of 71 births in 1919.
The name Reid began to gain consistent traction in the mid-20th century. From the 1940s onwards, the number of babies named Reid steadily increased. In 1946, there were 93 births, and this figure more than doubled by 1952 with 203 births. This trend continued into the 1960s and 1970s, with a high of 243 births in 1981.
The popularity of Reid spiked dramatically in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1987, there were 329 births, which jumped to 483 in 1992, indicating a significant increase in popularity during this period. The highest point on record was reached in 2008 with 865 births.
However, since then, the popularity of Reid has seen some fluctuations but has generally remained high. In recent years, it has hovered around the 1,000 mark, with 1,145 births in 2010 and 1,039 in 2022. Overall, based on these statistics, the name Reid has shown consistent popularity among parents in the United States over the past century.