Reynolds Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Reynolds come from? What does the surname Reynolds mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Reynolds and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Reynolds Origin: What does the last name Reynolds mean?
Reynolds is a patronymic surname of English origin, meaning "son of Reynold". The name Reynold, or Reginald, comes from a Germanic name composed of elements meaning "Powerful Ruler". Early records of the surname date back to the early 11th century, with possessors of the name arriving in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name Reynolds has variations such as Reynell, Reynalds, Renals, and Rennels, reflecting how scribes recorded and spelled names phonetically.
According to YourRoots data, the Reynolds surname first appeared in records from England in the early 15th century. The surname has a strong presence in the United States, where it became more widespread during the 16th century. Over time, the Reynolds surname has expanded globally, with notable concentrations in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and various European countries. This surname signifies a lineage of individuals with a Norman or Saxon background who played roles in English history, as well as Irish settlers who migrated to North America in different waves of immigration.
Reynolds Last Name History: Where did the last name Reynolds come from?
Origin of Reynolds Surname: Where does the last name Reynolds originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Reynolds first appeared in records from England, United Kingdom, around the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact ‚Äö"Reynolds" spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Reynolds: What does the Reynolds surname history look like in the early days?
The ‚Äö"Reynolds" surname initially surfaced in records from England in the 15th century. However, by the 16th century, the frequency of the Reynolds surname started to grow significantly within the United States. This shift indicates an early migration pattern or adoption of the surname within the United States during this period.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Reynolds surname today?
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the volume of records with the Reynolds surname in the United States overtook that of its origin, the United Kingdom. This trend continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. The ‚Äö"Reynolds" surname remains prominent in the United States today. However, it also appears in many countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, and several countries in Europe.
Explore Reynolds last name heritage and Reynolds surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Reynolds Surame?
Ryan Reynolds
Ryan Rodney Reynolds (October 23, 1976 - present) is a Canadian and American actor, producer, and businessman. He is best known for his roles in comedic and superhero films, including the Deadpool franchise, as well as his voice work in animated films like The Croods and Detective Pikachu. Reynolds has received numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe nomination. He is also recognized for his sex appeal and was named People's Sexiest Man Alive in 2010. In addition to his acting career, Reynolds is a successful businessman, with investments in companies like Mint Mobile and ownership in Welsh football club Wrexham.
Burt Reynolds
Burton Leon Reynolds Jr. (Feb 11, 1936 – Sep 6, 2018) was an American actor known for his roles in iconic films like "Smokey and the Bandit" and "Deliverance." Reynolds also found success in television, winning awards for his role in "Evening Shade." He was a versatile actor, transitioning from action-packed roles to critically acclaimed performances in movies like "Boogie Nights." Reynolds' career spanned decades, making him a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Dan Reynolds
Daniel Coulter Reynolds (July 14, 1987 - present) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician known as the lead vocalist of the pop rock band Imagine Dragons. He formed the band in 2008 and has achieved worldwide success with hits like "Radioactive" and "Demons". Reynolds has won Grammy Awards and Billboard Music Awards for his work, and continues to be a prominent figure in the music industry.
Debbie Reynolds
Mary Frances "Debbie" Reynolds (April 1, 1932 – December 28, 2016) was an iconic American actress, singer, and entrepreneur whose career spanned almost 70 years. Known for her roles in classic films like "Singin' in the Rain" and "The Unsinkable Molly Brown," Reynolds also found success on stage and television. Her talent extended to singing, with her performance of "Tammy" reaching the top of the Billboard music charts. Reynolds' legacy lives on through her numerous film and television appearances, as well as her contributions to mental health causes and the preservation of film memorabilia.
Kim Reynolds
Kimberly Kay Reynolds (August 4, 1959 - ) is an American politician and the first female governor of Iowa. Reynolds, a Republican, has served as the 43rd governor of Iowa since 2017. She previously held positions as Clarke County treasurer and lieutenant governor of Iowa. Reynolds has signed legislation on educational vouchers, voting rights for felons, and Second Amendment rights. She received criticism for her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reynolds is known for her close relationship with the Iowa pork industry. In 2023, she announced she will not seek reelection in 2026. Reynolds has been involved in various political roles and initiatives throughout her career.
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