MallowbyNames

Nereida

neh-RAY-dah · Sea nymph, daughter of Nereus in Greek mythology.

Peak popularity
1981
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 1985

Declining since 1985.

Popularity of Nereida since 1936

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

509914919401960198020002020Most births 1981Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1930s5
1940s48
1950s509
1960s535
1970s495
1980s799
1990s658
2000s458
2010s145
2020s45

Meaning & origin

Nereida, a name of mythological elegance, first appeared in U.S. records in 1936. It reached its peak popularity in 1981, but has been on a declining trajectory since 1985, making it a rare and distinctive choice today. Derived from the Greek Nereides, the sea nymphs who accompanied Poseidon, the name carries a lyrical, oceanic charm. Though it has never entered the top 1,000, its 1980s peak reflects a brief moment of interest in mythological and exotic names. Parents considering Nereida today may appreciate its connection to nature and myth, as well as its uncommon status. The name's soft sounds and feminine ending also make it accessible across languages, especially Spanish and Greek.

Nereida derives from Greek Nereis (plural Nereides), the name of the sea nymphs in Greek mythology who were daughters of the sea god Nereus. The name entered occasional use in Spanish and Portuguese cultures, later appearing in English-speaking countries. Its first recorded U.S. use was in 1936, and it peaked in popularity in 1981.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Neri, Nera, Reida

Variants: Nereyda, Nereide, Nereis

Sibling names for Nereida

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

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

N is for Nereida, our favorite little girl.

N is for Nereida…”

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

Make Nereida's book

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Nereida mean?
Nereida means 'sea nymph,' referring to the Nereids, the fifty sea nymph daughters of the Greek sea god Nereus.
Is Nereida a popular name today?
Nereida has never ranked among the top 1,000 U.S. names. Its peak year was 1981, and usage has been declining since 1985.
Is Nereida a girl's name?
Yes, Nereida is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.