Surname Kidd - Meaning and Origin

Discovering My Family's Journey: A Deep Dive into the Kidd Lineage with iGENEA DNA Test

Embarking on an ancestral journey with iGENEA's DNA test, I unraveled surprising layers of my lineage and the roots of my surname, Kidd. Astoundingly, what I believed to be a purely English heritage, bore unique connections with ancient Celtic roots, pointing to an intricate genetic history that spanned continents.

I. Kidd

Kidd: What does the surname Kidd mean?

The last name Kidd has its origins in a number of different cultures including Scottish, English, and German, with variations in its meaning across these cultures. In Scottish and Northern English, the last name Kidd is often derived from the word "kid", referring to a young goat, indicating that the original bearers of the name could have been goat herders. Alternatively, Kidd may have also represented a nickname for a lively, frisky person or a child, similar to how the term "kid" is used colloquially in present day.

In medieval German, the name Kidd derived from the Middle High German word "kît" (meaning sprout, twig, or offspring), and was often used to refer to a woodworker.

Other possibilities include a geographic origin, as "kidd" also means a sheltered location from wind, possibly indicating that the original bearers of the name lived in such an area. It is also possible that the surname Kidd came from a baptismal name, as in the son of Cuthbert.

It's always important to remember that surnames can have multiple origins and the meaning can vary based on regional dialects, local language, and historic context.

Kidd: Where does the name Kidd come from?

The surname Kidd is derived from the Old English word "cydd" which means a "young goat", and was originally given as a nickname to someone who was considered playful and frisky in behavior, or possibly to a goat herd. The surname first surfaced in the early to mid-12th century in England, during the formation of the sovereign state.

Today, the surname is quite widespread in English-speaking countries such as England, the United States of America, Canada, and Australia. It is particularly common in Northern England and Scotland. This wide distribution could be attributed to the movement of English and Scottish settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries to North America and other English-speaking colonies. Famous figures with the last name Kidd include the legendary 17th-century pirate Captain William Kidd and the British fashion model Jodie Kidd.

Variations of the surname Kidd

The surname Kidd is of Scottish and English origin, derived from the Middle English word "kid(e)" referring to a young goat, or possibly referring to a child which represents some characteristics of a young goat such as vivacity and friskiness.

In its origin, it may also have functioned as a metonymic occupational name for a goatherd. Some families may have converted Kidd into different forms based on regional dialects, lifestyle, or personal preference. Variants and spellings of Kidd can include Kyd, Kid, Kidde, Kide, Kydd, and Ked.

Interestingly, it may also be an Anglicized phonetic spelling of the German surname Kitt. Some surnames that may be variations in other cultures due to emigration and language changes include Kidson, Kiddson, Kidman and Kidston.

Please note that surname origins can be complex, and the Kidd surname may have evolved differently in separate geographic locations, leading to a variety of spellings and variants, some of which may not be referenced here. Also, the derivation or origin of a surname does not necessarily relate to all individuals bearing that name.

Famous people with the name Kidd

• Jason Kidd: A former professional basketball player and current NBA coach.
• Sue Monk Kidd: A well-known American novelist, author of "The Secret Life of Bees".
• Jemma Kidd: A former English fashion model, makeup artist, and writer, she's also known as Countess of Mornington through her marriage.
• Billy the Kidd: A famous American radio presenter and disc jockey.
• Chip Kidd: An influential graphic designer and writer, known for his book cover designs.
• Johnny Kidd: An English singer-songwriter best known for his 1960 UK chart-topping single "Shakin' All Over".
• Kidd Kraddick: An American radio host and television personality, known for his nationally syndicated radio show.
• Richard A. Kidd: A retired United States Army soldier who served as the ninth Sergeant Major of the Army.
• Michael Kidd: An American film and stage choreographer, known for his work in Broadway and Hollywood.
• Barbara Kidd: A British costume designer who has won several awards for her work in film and television.
• William Kidd: Often simply Captain Kidd, was a Scottish sailor who was tried and executed for piracy after returning from a voyage to the Indian Ocean.

Other surnames

KiddeKiddellKiddieKiddooKidney