Rea Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Rea come from? What does the surname Rea mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Rea and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Rea Origin: What does the last name Rea mean?
The surname Rea, sometimes spelled Reah, has origins in England dating back to the early 15th century, as per YourRoots data. It is believed to have been associated with England for several centuries before gaining prominence in the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries. The surname has since spread globally, with significant records found in Australia in the 20th century, indicating a widespread presence over the years.
YourRoots data confirms the global spread of the Rea surname, with a notable presence in the United States and Australia by the 20th century. The surname is also found in countries like Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, showcasing its enduring popularity and widespread distribution across various regions and cultures.
Rea Last Name History: Where did the last name Rea come from?
Origin of Rea Surname: Where does the last name Rea originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Rea first appeared in records from England around the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Rea spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Rea: What does the Rea surname history look like in the early days?
The Rea surname remained closely associated with England from the 15th to the 18th centuries, with significant growth seen in the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Rea family records in Australia during the 20th century, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Rea surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Rea surname grew significantly in the United States, with notable presence in Australia and several other countries. The Rea surname remains prominent in the United States and Australia. It appears in many countries, including Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
Explore Rea last name heritage and Rea surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Rea Surame?
Stephen Rea
Stephen Rea (1946 - ) is an Irish actor known for his work in film, television, and stage. He gained international fame for his role in Neil Jordan's film "The Crying Game" (1992) and has since appeared in multiple Jordan films like "Interview with the Vampire" (1994) and "Michael Collins" (1996). Rea is also recognized for his stage performances at The Gate and Abbey theatres in Dublin. He co-founded the Field Day Theatre Company and has received numerous awards, including a BAFTA for "The Honourable Woman" in 2015. Rea is considered one of the greatest Irish film actors of all time by The Irish Times.
Chris Rea
Christopher Anton Rea (March 4, 1951) is a British rock and blues singer-songwriter and guitarist known for hits like "The Road to Hell" and "Driving Home for Christmas." Rea's distinctive voice and slide guitar playing have earned him over 40 million record sales worldwide. Despite his success in Europe, he remains best known in the U.S. for his 1978 single "Fool (If You Think It's Over)." Rea's career has been marked by struggles with health issues, but his music continues to resonate with fans around the world.
Andrew Rea
Andrew Douglas Rea (September 2, 1987 - present), also known as Babish, is an American YouTuber, cook, and author. He is famous for his YouTube channel Babish Culinary Universe and shows like Binging with Babish and Basics with Babish. Rea has authored cookbooks based on his series and has appeared on various programs. Raised in Rochester, New York, he credits his late mother for teaching him how to cook. Rea's career took off when he started filming cooking videos in his kitchen, which led to his channel's immense success. His engaging content and dedication to his craft have garnered millions of subscribers worldwide.
Neill Rea
Neill Andrew Rea is a New Zealand actor and casting director, best known for portraying detective Mike Shepherd in the television police procedural The Brokenwood Mysteries. He has also appeared in other TV shows and films such as Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Scarfies, Go Girls, and The Warrior's Way. Rea has been nominated for Best Actor at the New Zealand Television Awards for his role in The Brokenwood Mysteries. In addition to his acting career, he owns a casting agency called Fly Casting. Rea is in a long-term relationship with actress Alison Bruce and resides in central Auckland.
Colin Rea
Colin David Rea (July 1, 1990 - ) is an American professional baseball pitcher known for his time with the Chicago Cubs in Major League Baseball (MLB). Rea has also played for the San Diego Padres, Miami Marlins, and Milwaukee Brewers. He briefly played for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Rea's career highlights include being named the 2019 Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year and making appearances in both MLB and NPB. With a strong pitching record and experience in various leagues, Rea has showcased his talent on the baseball field.
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