The name Rhyder is believed to have originated from the Old English name Ryder, which itself is derived from the Old English word "ridere," meaning "mounted warrior" or "rider." This suggests that the name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon culture of medieval England, likely arising during the period when the Germanic tribes settled in Britain after the Roman withdrawal.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Rhyder can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This historical document mentions a landowner named Rhyder of Wiltshire, providing evidence of the name's usage during the Norman period.

In the 12th century, a monk named Rhyder is mentioned in the chronicles of the Benedictine monastery at Bury St. Edmunds, indicating the name's religious associations during the Middle Ages. Additionally, the name appears in various medieval charters and legal documents, demonstrating its widespread use among the English nobility and gentry.

Notable historical figures bearing the name Rhyder include Sir Rhyder Hastings (1431-1492), a prominent English knight who fought in the Wars of the Roses and served as a member of the Privy Council under King Henry VII. Another notable figure was Rhyder Bacon (1556-1624), an English philosopher and statesman who served as Lord Chancellor under King James I.

In the 17th century, Rhyder Cromwell (1599-1658), a distant cousin of Oliver Cromwell, gained recognition as a member of the Long Parliament and a supporter of the Parliamentary cause during the English Civil War. A century later, Rhyder Wilberforce (1759-1833) made his mark as a prominent abolitionist and social reformer, working alongside his son William Wilberforce to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire.

During the Victorian era, the name Rhyder gained further popularity, with notable figures such as Rhyder Dickens (1812-1870), the eldest son of the famous novelist Charles Dickens, and Rhyder Tennyson (1809-1892), the younger brother of the celebrated poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson.

While the name Rhyder has endured throughout history, it remains a relatively uncommon and distinctive name, particularly in its modern spelling variation. Its rich historical legacy and ties to the Anglo-Saxon and medieval English heritage contribute to its enduring appeal and significance.