name
Common
Reynolds
REH-nuhldz
Reynolds (name) means a common surname, originally meaning "son of Reynold.". Example: “Reynolds is one of the more common surnames in the English-speaking world.”
name
1
A common surname, originally meaning "son of Reynold."
"Reynolds is one of the more common surnames in the English-speaking world."
How to use Reynolds
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA family name derived from the older first name Reynold.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like Reynolds.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- Reynoldses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ is one of the more common surnames in the English-speaking world.
Etymology
Formed from the given name Reynold plus the possessive/patronymic ending -s.
Frequently asked questions
What does “Reynolds” mean?
The word “Reynolds” means a common surname, originally meaning "son of Reynold.". In plain terms, a family name derived from the older first name Reynold.
How do you pronounce “Reynolds”?
“Reynolds” is pronounced REH-nuhldz (/ˈɹɛnəldz/ in IPA).
How do you use “Reynolds” in a sentence?
Here is “Reynolds” used in a sentence: “Reynolds is one of the more common surnames in the English-speaking world.”
What part of speech is “Reynolds”?
“Reynolds” is a name.
Is “Reynolds” a common word?
“Reynolds” is a fairly common word in modern English.
Where does the surname Reynolds come from?
Reynolds is a patronymic surname meaning "son of Reynold": the final -s is a possessive marker that once signaled "Reynold's son." The same pattern produced surnames such as Williams, Roberts, and Edwards, and Reynolds went on to become common across the English-speaking world.
Is Reynolds a first name or a last name?
Reynolds is a surname. The corresponding given name is Reynold, without the final s — the surname literally meant "son of Reynold." Like many family names it is occasionally transferred to first-name use, but its primary role is as a last name.
How do you write the plural and possessive of Reynolds?
To refer to the whole family, add -es: "the Reynoldses," as with other names ending in s. Most modern style guides form the singular possessive as "Reynolds's" ("Mr. Reynolds's car"), though some accept "Reynolds'." The plural possessive is "the Reynoldses' house."
