MallowbyNames

Redding

RED-ing · From an English surname meaning 'son of Reed' or 'descendant of a red-haired person'.

2025 rank (boys)
#4,396
Babies named in 2025
23
Peak popularity
2019
2025 frequency
1 in 74,264 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 2007

Rising since 2007, #4,396 for boys today.

Popularity of Redding since 1922

Babies named Redding per year in U.S. Social Security records.

11223319602000Most births 2016Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1920s5
1930s0
1940s0
1950s0
1960s0
1970s0
1980s0
1990s0
2000s13
2010s185
2020s133

Meaning & origin

Redding began appearing in U.S. birth records in 1922, but for decades it remained exceedingly obscure. Its recent upward trajectory is notable: after a long trough, the name began climbing in 2007 and reached its peak rank of 4,396 in 2025, when it was given to roughly 1 in 74,264 newborns. The name is most common in Texas, consistent with a regional preference for surnames as first names. While not yet a mainstream choice, Redding fits a modern trend of occupational and surname-inspired names, offering a fresh alternative to better-known picks like Reed or Reid.

Redding derives from the Old English personal name 'Read' meaning 'red', possibly referring to someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. As a surname, it emerged in medieval England, and its use as a given name dates to the 19th century, likely influenced by the surname tradition. The name remains rare, with modest modern usage primarily in the United States.

Where Redding is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Red, Reds

Sibling names for Redding

Names that share Redding's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

R is for Redding, our favorite little boy.

R is for Redding…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Redding's letter becomes Redding's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Redding's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Redding mean?
Redding means 'son of Reed' or 'descendant of a red-haired person', derived from an English surname.
How popular is Redding?
Redding ranked 4,396 in 2025, with approximately 1 in 74,264 newborns given the name. It has been rising in popularity since 2007.
Is Redding a boy or girl name?
Redding is almost exclusively used as a boy's name.