The name derives from the Middle English thred(en), to thread, from the Olde English pre 7th Century thraed, thread, with gold, gold. This embroiderer would have done decorative needlework, usually on loosely woven cloth or canvas, with gold thread, often being a picture or pattern.ecorded in several spellings as shown below, this is an early medieval English surname. It derives from an occupational nickname for an embroiderer, specifically one who embroidered fine clothes with gold thread.