Reed

Reed 

Origin of the Reed surname

The Reed surname was fairly common throughout England, including in Staffordshire. One theory is that the surname derives from a nickname that was applied to people with red hair or a ruddy complexion (based on the Old English word read meaning red). Another theory is that it may have been a topographical name for someone who lived in a woodland clearing (based on the Old English word ried or ryd). Other theories are that it could be a locational name contracted from the Old English word hreod meaning reeds; or from rhyt meaning brushwood; or from combining roege (female roe deer) and heafod (headland). It is quite possible that the surname was adopted by many different families scattered across England and that several or all of these derivations may be correct.

The multiple origins of the name could have also contributed to the many spelling variants that have been used over time, including Rade, Read, Reade, Rede, Reede, Reid, Ried and Rood. In Staffordshire, it was common to spell the name Rhead for many years.

Reed migration to Australia

James Reed and his wife Frances Heazle arrived in Australia on the last day of 1836 aboard the convict transport ship Earl Grey. James was a Private in the 80th Regiment that provided the guard for the convicts. The young couple were accompanied by their sons John Benjamin Reed and James Reed, while Frances was pregnant with their son Alexander Reed.

Reed family memorial

For centuries families have created memorials to honour their forebears, including headstones, church monuments, memorial cards, obituaries and much more. This website is, in a way, just another innovation in this regard. Each of the links below takes you to a memorial page that is dedicated to that particular deceased ancestor.

• Prudence Reed (1846-1940)
• James Reed 1808-1898 and Frances Heazle 1812-1895

Forthcoming book

Jim Fleming plans to publish a book about the Reed family during 2023. Click here for more information.