The Origin and History of the Surname Reid

Reid is a surname of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "mac-ruadh," which means "son of red." The name likely originally referred to someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion.

In modern times, Reid has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is often found among people of Scottish, Irish, and Welsh descent.

Some notable people with the surname Reid include:

* John Reid (1875-1949), Australian politician
* William Reid (1842-1927), Canadian businessman and politician
* Harry Reid (b. 1942), American politician and former Senate Majority Leader
* Sandra Reid (b. 1963), American actress and comedian
* Stuart Reid (b. 1970), Scottish footballer

The name Reid is also sometimes used as a given name, particularly in Scotland and Ireland. It is often associated with the Gaelic word "ruadh," which means "red."