"son of the red-haired one"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Redding
Pronunciation: [ r-EHD-ihng ]
Does Redding flow with your last name?
A strong English surname with soulful history
English
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Strong
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Redding
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Meaning & Origin
"settlement of the red family"
Origin: Anglo-Saxon place name
Language: English
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The Story of Redding
Redding is an Old English surname derived from a place name, ultimately from the Anglo-Saxon reding or read-ingas, meaning the people of the red one or settlement of Read family. It connects to the color red (reod in Old English), often used as a nickname for red-haired individuals. The English town of Reading shares this etymology. As a given name, Redding carries the distinguished feel of an old English place-name surname.
Redding gained attention as a given name partly through the legacy of Otis Redding, the legendary soul singer. It fits comfortably in the modern trend of using surnames and place names as first names, appealing to parents who want something distinctive but rooted in English tradition.
The name is strongly associated with Otis Redding, one of the greatest soul musicians of the 20th century. For music-loving parents, Redding carries the spirit of passion, soulfulness, and artistic greatness.
Historical Record
Redding first appeared in US Social Security records in 2003.
Over 308 babies have been named Redding in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Redding is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #4,854 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Otis Redding recorded Sitting On the Dock of the Bay just three days before his fatal plane crash in 1967 — it became his biggest hit posthumously
- Reading, England (pronounced Redding) is one of the UK largest towns and gives the name its traditional pronunciation
Redding in Other Languages
French
Redding
German
Redding
Spanish
Redding
Popularity Over Time
#4,854
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Redding
N
Noel Redding
Musician
1945
British musician best known as the bass guitarist for the Jimi Hendrix Experience
O
Otis Redding
Musician
1941
American soul singer and songwriter considered one of the greatest singers in history, known for Sittin On the Dock of t...
American soul singer and songwriter considered one of the greatest singers in history, known for Sittin On the Dock of the Bay
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Compare Redding with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,854
- Total SSA Count
- 21
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Red
Redd
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Redding
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Redding is also used as a girl name, ranked #25677.
View Redding as a girl name →Similar Names
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Germanic wil + helm origin
"will-helmet (determined guardian)"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Redding
What does the name Redding mean?
"son of the red-haired one" (from Old English). "settlement of the red family" (from Anglo-Saxon place name). Redding is an Old English surname derived from a place name, ultimately from the Anglo-Saxon reding or read-ingas, meaning the people of the red one or settlement of Read family. It connects to the color red (reod in Old English), often used as a nickname for red-haired individuals. The English town of Reading shares this etymology. As a given name, Redding carries the distinguished feel of an old English place-name surname.
What is the origin of the name Redding?
Redding has Old English, Anglo-Saxon place name, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "son of the red-haired one". In Anglo-Saxon place name, it means "settlement of the red family".
Is Redding a boy or girl name?
Redding is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #4854. As a girl name, it is ranked #25677. Redding is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Redding?
Redding is pronounced r-EHD-ihng.
How popular is the name Redding?
Redding is currently ranked #4854 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Redding?
Common nicknames for Redding include Red and Redd.
What are good middle names for Redding?
Popular middle name pairings include Redding James, Redding Cole, Redding Grant, Redding Lee, Redding Blake, and Redding Scott.
What are good sibling names for Redding?
Names that pair well with Redding as siblings include Fletcher, Hadley, Hollis, Marlowe, Beckett, and Wren.
How many syllables does Redding have?
Redding has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Redding a common or rare name?
Redding is an uncommon name, ranked #4854 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Redding
Redding is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "son of the red-haired one" in Old English .
Is Redding a boy or girl name? Redding is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #4,854 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #25,677. Redding is more commonly used as a boy name.
Redding is currently ranked #4,854 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Redding has 2 syllables and is pronounced r-EHD-ihng, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Redding include Red and Redd. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis