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Reardon Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Reardon Surname

The Reardon surname is of Irish Gaelic origin, deriving from the modern Irish Gaelic "Ó Ríordáin," itself an anglicization of "Ó Ríoghbhardáin," which means "royal bard." This lineage reflects a deep cultural heritage tied to the esteemed tradition of bards in Irish society, who were revered as poets and keepers of history. The Reardon name has been borne by many notable individuals, highlighting its enduring presence and significance through the years.

Geographically, the Reardon surname began its journey in Ireland, where it established firm roots. Over time, particularly during the 19th century, branches of the Reardon family tree extended to new regions, primarily the United States, as families sought opportunities abroad. This migration mirrored broader historical movements and allowed the Reardon lineage to gain a global footprint, enriching the cultural tapestry of the surname.

According to the YourRoots dataset, the earliest recorded appearance of the Reardon family in the United States occurred in the early 18th century, marking a pivotal point in the genealogy of the Reardon name. This aligns with the broader narrative of the surname's Irish origins and subsequent migration patterns. The YourRoots data offers a valuable resource for those interested in tracing their Reardon genealogy, confirming the family's expansion and cultural influence across centuries.

For genealogy enthusiasts and family-tree researchers, the Reardon records available through YourRoots provide a comprehensive look into the surname's evolution. This data not only corroborates historical accounts but also enriches the understanding of the Reardon family's journey, offering insights into the rich heritage and enduring legacy of the name.

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Tracing Your Reardon Family Lineage

Origin of the Reardon Family: Where does the Reardon surname come from?

The Reardon surname finds its earliest known appearance in records from the United States during the early 18th century, indicating a significant moment in the family's genealogical journey. This initial record suggests the beginnings of family trees that would grow and branch out over the subsequent centuries. The surname's origins are rooted in Ireland, reflecting a rich cultural heritage that would influence the family's evolution.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Reardon

In the early centuries, the Reardon family began to spread primarily within Ireland, establishing roots that would prove foundational to their genealogy. As families grew, branches of the Reardon lineage began to appear, particularly in regions known for their agricultural and community-oriented lifestyles, fostering connections that would extend through many generations. During this time, the emphasis on familial ties and communal living played a crucial role in shaping the family's identity and history.

Tracing the Reardon Family Tree Through the Centuries

The Reardon surname saw considerable expansion across various regions, particularly in the United States, during the 19th century as families migrated in search of new opportunities. This migration led to the establishment of Reardon family lines not only in America but also in other countries, reflecting the global reach of the surname in the 20th century. Throughout these centuries, the family's growth and dispersal mirrored broader historical movements, such as immigration and settlement patterns, further enriching the Reardon family narrative.

Where to Find Reardon Genealogy Records Today

In the modern centuries, the Reardon surname continues to be represented across numerous regions, particularly in the United States where it maintains a significant presence. The records available in the YourRoots database can provide valuable insights for those exploring their own Reardon family trees and connecting with their ancestral heritage. Readers are encouraged to delve into these genealogical resources to uncover the rich tapestry of their Reardon lineage.

Famous People with Reardon (and Their Family Tree)

John Reardon

John Henry Reardon, born July 30, 1975, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a prominent Canadian actor renowned for his roles on Canadian television. He gained fame as Blake Laviolette in "Arctic Air" and Greg Cameron in "Continuum." Since 2019, Reardon has starred as Detective Charlie Hudson in the hit series "Hudson & Rex," where he forms a notable partnership with a K-9 dog named Rex. Reardon's career began in 2001, with appearances in TV shows and films like "Tru Calling," "White Chicks," and "Scary Movie 4." His portrayal of Charlie Hudson has been well-received, leading to the show's renewal for multiple seasons, including a premiere for season 5 in September 2022.

Ray Reardon

Ray Reardon, a Welsh professional snooker player, dominated the sport in the 1970s, securing six World Snooker Championship titles. Known as "Dracula" for his distinct appearance, Reardon was the first world number one ranked player, maintaining this position for five consecutive years from 1976. He achieved numerous professional victories, including the 1976 Masters and the inaugural Pot Black tournament in 1969. Reardon retired in 1991, having mentored Ronnie O'Sullivan to his second World Championship in 2004, and was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1985.

Born in Tredegar, Wales, on 8 October 1932, Ray Reardon was the son of Ben and Cynthia Reardon. He began playing cue sports at a young age, influenced by his uncle. Following his father's footsteps, he worked as a miner before pursuing a career in snooker and later served as a police officer in England.

Jim Reardon

Jim Reardon is an acclaimed American animation director and screenwriter, best known for his extensive work on the iconic animated TV series The Simpsons. As a director of over 30 episodes, and a supervising director from seasons 9 to 15, Reardon has significantly shaped the show's success. His expertise extends to his collaboration with Pixar as a screenwriter for WALL-E, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Reardon's career includes contributions to Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures, Tiny Toon Adventures, and Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph and Zootopia, highlighting his diverse impact on animation.

Jeff Reardon

Jeffrey James Reardon, born on October 1, 1955, is a former professional baseball relief pitcher celebrated for his notable career in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1979 to 1994. Known as "the Terminator" for his intimidating presence, Reardon played for teams like the New York Mets, Montreal Expos, and Boston Red Sox. He became MLB's all-time saves leader in 1992, with 367 saves, and was a four-time All-Star. Reardon was pivotal in the Minnesota Twins' 1987 World Series win and was the first pitcher to have 40-save seasons in both the American and National Leagues, enhancing his legacy in baseball history.

Reardon retired to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, with his wife, Phebe, and their three children, Jay, Shane, and Kristi, emphasizing family life post-retirement.

Thomas Reardon

Thomas Reardon, born in 1969, is a distinguished American computational neuroscientist and CEO of CTRL-labs, renowned for his pivotal role in creating Microsoft's Internet Explorer, which ruled the browser market in the early 2000s. Reardon was instrumental in introducing CSS to Internet Explorer 3 and advocating for HTML4, CSS, and XML. His career includes a significant tenure at Microsoft, founding a wireless networking startup, and a CTO position at OpenWave. In 2019, CTRL-labs, known for its innovative neural interfaces, was acquired by Facebook, where Reardon now leads the neural interfaces group at Facebook Reality Labs.

Originally from New Hampshire, Reardon comes from an Irish-Catholic family and is one of 18 siblings, including eight who are adopted.

Reardon Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Reardon" is of Irish Gaelic origin and is an anglicized version of "Ó Ríordáin," which stems from "Ó Ríoghbhardáin," meaning "royal bard." This name reflects a historical connection to the role of a bard in a royal court.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Reardon

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Reardon family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Reardon surname to learn more.