Reith

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Reith is a Scottish surname, and may refer to:

Origin[edit]

The origin of this Scottish surname is uncertain. However, there are explanations as to its origin:

  • It may be an anglicized and reduced form of Mac Raith, meaning 'son of grace' (see McRae).
  • Another possibility is that it is a habitational name and comes from a Cumbric or Pictish cognate of Welsh rhyd, meaning 'ford'.
  • A less likely explanation is that it denoted somebody originally from Reeth, Northern England.
  • It could, at least in some cases, be a variation of Reid.

In North America, this surname has absorbed several like-sounding surnames.

See also[edit]