Surname Riddell - Meaning and Origin

Exploring Riddell Heritage Through iGENEA DNA Test: A Personal Journey to Self-Identity

I delved into the genealogy of my intriguingly uncommon surname, Riddell, via the iGENEA DNA test. The test provided me with in-depth knowledge about the origins and history of the Riddells and connected me with people sharing the same surname.

L. Riddell

Riddell: What does the surname Riddell mean?

Riddell is an English and Scottish surname with multiple origins. Originally, it is derived from the Old English "ridere," meaning "horseman or knight", which suggests that early family members may have been cavalrymen. Another interpretation is that it could have been a geographical surname, traced back to an ancient town called Ryedale in North Yorkshire, England. In this context, "Ryedale" is thought to mean "gorse valley," named after a type of thorny, flowering shrub.

In Scotland, Riddell refers to a historic and powerful family originating from the border region between Scotland and England. The name in this case comes from an estate in Roxburghshire granted to Gervase Ridel in the 12th century. His surname was likely derived from old French word ‘ridele’ meaning ‘small stream’. Over the years, various spellings of the surname such as Riddell, Riddle and Rydell have developed, but they all share the same root meanings: knight, gorse valley, or small stream.

Riddell: Where does the name Riddell come from?

The surname Riddell is of Scottish origin and is believed to be geographical from the lands of Riddell in Roxburghshire. The derivation is from the Old English pre 7th Century elements "hriddel" meaning 'a plough' or 'a clearing made by a plough'. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Gervasius de Rydel, which was dated approximately 1124, in the "Registrum Monasterii de Melros", during the reign of King David 1 of Scotland.

Today, the name Riddell is widely found in Scotland and England, as well as in countries associated with the British diaspora such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. The surname has been prominently linked to Riddell sports equipment company in the United States, highlighting the spread of the surname beyond the UK. The company was founded by John Tate Riddell, whose surname was passed on to the brand.

Variations of the surname Riddell

The surname Riddell has numerous variants, spellings and equivalent surnames traceable to its origin in Norman medieval times. Variations and alternative spellings include Riddall, Rydell, Ridall, Riddle, Rydel, Rydill, Ridell, Ridel, and Ryedale. These variations primarily exist due to phonetic translations and regional shifts in spelling throughout history.

The surname itself likely originates from the Old English elements "ryge", meaning rye, and "dael", meaning valley, therefore denoting a dweller in the rye valley. It was common to take a geographic feature as a surname in those times.

While it may have the same pronunciation, it shouldn't be confused with the German surname "Riedel", which has a different origin and meaning and is not directly connected to Riddell.

Additional variation in spelling for this surname may exist among descendants who immigrated to different countries, such as the United States and Canada, where the name may have been altered to fit local language and spelling conventions. Nevertheless, the variants listed represent the most prominent forms of the Riddell surname known today.

Famous people with the name Riddell

• Michael Riddell: Canadian neuroscientist, professor of medicine, and author,
• Gareth Riddell: British graphic designer,
• Zamani Riddell: Canadian Aboriginal actor,
• Mark Riddell: Australian cricketer,
• Dorothy Riddell: Canadian fashion designer,
• Paul Riddell: Canadian thrash metal musician,
• John Riddell: American diplomat,
• William Riddell: British physicist,
• Katie Riddell: British stunt cyclist,
• Scott Riddell: American actor,
• Alex Riddell: Scottish darts player,
• Philip Riddell: Canadian songwriter,
• Johnnie Riddell: Scottish professional football player,
• Spencer Riddell: American college football coach,
• Matthew Riddell: American television producer and director.

Other surnames

RiddelRidderRidders