This interesting and unusual surname recorded as Reddy, Ready, Reddie, Reedy, Reedie and Reeday, has four possible sources. Firstly, the surname may be of early medieval English origin, and a nickname from the word "readi", meaning prepared or prompt. The suggestion is that it would have been given to an "action man", possibly a messenger, someone who did not waste time. Secondly it could be Scottish and a locational name from a place called "Reedie" in the former county of Angus. The meaning is uncertain, but is probably from the Olde English pre 7th century "reda", meaning a place where reads were grown. Thirdly it could be Irish and an anglicized form of the ancient Gaelic "O'Rodaigh". This is composed of the elements "O", meaning descendant of, and "Rodach", a personal name derived from "rod", meaning hearty. In England there is a faint fourth possibility. This is that the name in some instances, could derive from the French "Redier". This was an occupational surname for a "reader", one who read the news to the village. It is known that Huguenot refugees of the name came to England, and were recorded at Threadneedle Street French church in 1703. Early examples of the recordings include John Rady, in the Subsidy Rolls of Essex in 1327, and James Reddy, who was a witness in Perthshire in 1549. The first recorded spelling of the family name is believed to be that of Robert le Redye, which was dated 1260, a witness at the Assize Court of Yorkshire, during the reign of King Henry 111, known as "The Frenchman", 1216 - 1272.

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