REITH Family History

This Scottish surname is quite uncommon and its origins are obscure. It is probably a development of the Olde Gaelic 'riabhach', meaning grey or brindled, and hence a nickname for someone with grey hair. Its apparent popularity in the public conception is because of the association with the late Lord Reith, the first chairman of the British Broadcasting Corporation, and a man who left a strong imprint of social responsibility and acceptability on the developing media of the period upto 1950. Sadly his successors have not possessed the same commitment to their duties.