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. Related NamesDetails VariantReedOther Languages & CulturesRot, Roth(German) Rot, Roth(Jewish) Reid(Scottish) Given Name DescendantRead(English) Same SpellingRead 2 Categories American founding fathers, colors, English verbs, hair, isograms, red, word names