Save Type Surname (from nickname) Usage English Pronounced Pron. REED [key · IPA] Meaning & History Means "red" from Middle English read, probably denoting a person with red hair or complexion. See All RelationsRelated Names VariantReedOther Languages & CulturesRot, Roth(German) Rot, Roth(Jewish) Reid(Scottish) Given Name DescendantRead(English) Same SpellingRead (2) Categories English verbs, red, word names Entry updated January 22, 2019