Ryder

The name Ryder is a transferred use of a surname with Anglo-Saxon origins and comes from an occupational name. The Olde English word “ridere” means ‘to ride’ and signified a horse-mounted warrior or messenger, a term used in pre-7th century England. After the Norman Conquest of 1066, however, this occupational name came to be known more commonly as a “Knight” (for those serving his lord as a mounted soldier). Another etymological source of the surname comes from a topographical name (from the Olde English “ried, ryd” meaning ‘clearing in a wood’) and denoted a person living near such a place. Topographical surname origins were some of the earliest used since landscape features were easily distinguishable and gave an identity to those living near or around such places (wood clearings, river valleys, etc.). Although Ryder dates back to the development of surnames in England in the 11th century, as a given name Ryder did not come into use until very recently, mostly in the United States.