Surname Ridout - Meaning and Origin

Ridout: What does the surname Ridout mean?

The last name Ridout is of English origin, derived from an old English personal name of uncertain origin. In some cases, it could have been a nickname for someone with an easygoing disposition, derived from the Middle English word "roud," meaning "gentle" or "affable." It could also have stemmed from the Olde English term "ridan," meaning "to ride."

The earliest written record of the Ridout surname dates back to 1252 in the historic county of Somerset in England. It appeared in the Assize Rolls of Somerset, where it was noted that John Rydoute was involved in a violent dispute.

The Ridouts were mostly agricultural workers and landowners, or squires who had originally settled around the counties of Wiltshire and Dorset. However, the family moved around throughout the ages, and it eventually became scattered throughout England and abroad.

Many members of the Ridout family served in the Royal Navy and the British Army, while others participated in the colonization of the New World. One notable family member, Colonel John Ridout, led a regiment of loyalists to the United States during the American War of Independence. He was also the first mayor of Toronto, Canada.

The Ridout surname has also produced several notable politicians and public figures in the United Kingdom. John Ridout served as the Town Clerk of Richmond, Richmondshire, in 1686, while his brother William was the Town Clerk of Wiltshire. Both men were later elected as Mayors.

Today, the Ridout name is still prominent throughout the world. It's a testament to the resilient and ambitious nature of the Ridouts who strived hard to make their mark across the centuries.

Ridout: Where does the name Ridout come from?

The last name Ridout is not particularly common today. It is an English surname, indicating that its earliest bearers originated in an area known as Rideroute, which was located in the county of Oxfordshire, England. However, it has spread throughout the British Isles and to other countries across the globe.

In the United Kingdom today, Ridout is most concentrated in the counties of Oxfordshire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire, all of which have clustered concentrations of the surname. Herefordshire has the highest concentration, with 3,203 recorded Ridouts in 2011. Germany and the United States are the two other countries with substantial concentrations of the last name Ridout in the modern day. In the United States, the name is found mainly in the states of Massachusetts, Virginia, and California.

So while Ridout may not be extremely common, it is still a popular last name that is found in many countries around the world. In the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and other places, individuals carrying the name could be related. Further research would need to be done to uncover any true genetic relationships.

Variations of the surname Ridout

The surname Ridout is an English topographic name, derived from Old English words meaning “ride” and “out,” and thus indicating someone who lived by a road. Variants of the surname Ridout include Rideout, Rideaut, Riddout and Ridoute. Additionally, variants can be separated by dialect, such as Rydeout in the East Anglian dialect and Reidout in Scotland.

Spellings of the surname Ridout can include Redoute, Riedout, Rydeout, Ruedout and Rydout; feudal spellings include Ridley and Redleigh. Additonally, Ridout may also be spelled as Ridott and Redott in some variants.

Surnames of similar (or sometimes the same) origin to Ridout include Ridehalgh, Ryder, Ritson and Renton, as well as variants of these with other spellings.

Lastly, Ridout may occasionally be confused with Raddon, which is derived from the Gaelic word "rodan" for "great” or “big.”

Famous people with the name Ridout

• Mary Ridout: English actress who appeared in television shows such as Holby City, EastEnders and My Family.
• Sir Adam Ridout: Former British army lieutenant-general who served as Adjutant-General in the Ministry of Defense.
• William Ridout: English cricketer who played in the eighteenth century, for Kent against Sussex in 1792.
• Isabella Mary Ridout: First female law graduate from the University of Toronto in 1880.
• Matthew Ridout: English organist, harmonium-player, and composer, most famous for his work Embassadors of God.
• Ada Ridout: English actress who appeared in multiple television shows and films such as The Mummy Returns and Quartet.
• Edward Ridout: English professional footballer who played in the Football League for Bristol Rovers from 1904-1913.
• William Ridout: Crown employment secretary in the Canadian civil service from 1906-1915.
• Reverend Charles Ridout: Clergyman from Durham, England who served as vicar of Sunderland from 1819-1852.
• Arthur Ridout: Canadian business leader, journalist and editor who was one of the founders of The Globe and Mail newspaper.

Other surnames

Ridoute