Surname Kydd - Meaning and Origin
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Kydd: What does the surname Kydd mean?
The surname Kydd is of Scottish origin and is considered to be a topographic name. It is derived from the Old English word 'cuth', which means 'known'. It was often used as a personal name during early times. Over time, the pronouncement of the word shifted from Cuth to Kydd. However, another interpretation suggests that the name could have Viking roots, as 'Kyd' is a Norse word meaning 'young goat'.
The surname was likely used to identify someone based on their characteristics (nickname), occupations, or based on their place of living (topography). Therefore, a person carrying the surname Kydd could have been someone who was well-known within their community, involved in goat herding, or residing in a location known for its goat population.
As with many surnames, exact origins can often be challenging to trace due to the evolution of languages and migration of populations over time. Thus, these interpretations provide possibilities rather than absolute certainties about the surname's meaning.
The surname, Kydd, was first found in the county of Fife in Scotland. Several notable figures bear this surname, the most famous being Diana, Princess of Wales, who was born Diana Frances Spencer but took on the name Diana Kydd after her mother’s remarriage.
Order DNA origin analysisKydd: Where does the name Kydd come from?
The surname Kydd originates from Scotland, specifically from the former Kingdom of Dalriada which was on the southwestern coast of the region. The name Kydd falls under the category of patronymic surnames, which are derived from the male given name of the father. It is believed to have been derived from the Gaelic personal name 'Céitidh,' which means 'fire.'
Today, Kydd is not a very common surname. However, it's most prevalent in the United States according to the frequency distribution, with significant clusters in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Additionally, it is also present in England, Scotland, Australia and Canada. A notable person with the last name Kydd was Frances Shand Kydd, the mother of Princess Diana.
The Kydd name has various spelling variations, including Kidd, Kid, Kyd, and others. Over the years, families often changed the spelling of their name to fit in better with the local population or due to misunderstanding or misspelling in official documents. As such, tracing the precise origins of the name and its bearers can be complex.
Variations of the surname Kydd
The surname "Kydd" derived from the Old English word "cydda," meaning "kid," is primarily associated with Scottish heritage. Its variations reflect its phonetic spelling and regional changes over time. Some common variants include Kidd, Kid, Ked, Keyd, Kedd, and Kit. Some of these forms also develop into different last names such as Kidder, Kidman, Kitt and Kitts, particularly in the English context. Similar surnames like Kyd, Kide, Kiddy might also be associated with the same origin. The surname can be exacerbated through a prefix or suffix too, creating variations such as MacKidd or Kiddson. Spelling variations are not uncommon, especially in the centuries before the development of standardized English spelling rules. As a surname, it was often recorded under several different spelling variations including, Keddie, Keddy, Keddye, Keddey, Kedda, Kiddie, Kiddey, Kidde, Kidd, and others in old manuscript, church registers, and other historical records. The variations in the surname Kydd represent the idiosyncrasies of its culture and era. Family names also reflect social mobility, regional identities, and local dialects, enriching our understanding of a person's characterization, social status and origin.
Famous people with the name Kydd
- Diana Spencer (née Kydd): Better known as Diana, Princess of Wales, she is one of the most recognizable names associated with the Kydd surname.
- Frances Shand Kydd: Mother of Diana, Princess of Wales, and grandmother to Princes William and Harry. She was also mother-in-law to Queen Elizabeth II.
- Lady Sarah McCorquodale (née Kydd): Elder sister of Diana, Princess of Wales.
- Lord John Spencer (née Kydd): He was a British naval officer and the grandfather of Diana, Princess of Wales.
- Lady Jane Fellowes (née Kydd): Another sister of Diana, Princess of Wales, Lady Jane is also aunt to Princes William and Harry.
- Charles Kydd: An athlete from Canada who competed in the early 20th century Olympic Games.
- Michael Middleton (née Kydd): He is the father of Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, and father-in-law to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.
- Timothy Laurence (née Kydd): An officer in the British Royal Navy and the second husband of Princess Anne, the Queen’s only daughter. Please note that the parenthetical "(née Kydd)" denotes individuals who were born with the surname Kydd but changed it upon marriage.