Rising since 1989, #417 for boys today.
Popularity of Reed since 1881
Babies named Reed per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 76 |
| 1890s | 137 |
| 1900s | 175 |
| 1910s | 790 |
| 1920s | 1,227 |
| 1930s | 871 |
| 1940s | 1,385 |
| 1950s | 2,494 |
| 1960s | 1,696 |
| 1970s | 1,452 |
| 1980s | 2,206 |
| 1990s | 4,495 |
| 2000s | 5,618 |
| 2010s | 9,014 |
| 2020s | 4,420 |
Meaning & origin
Reed has been in steady use since at least 1881, when it first appeared in U.S. birth records. Its popularity peaked in 2014, and since 1989 it has been on a rising trajectory. The name is most common in states like Delaware, Kentucky, and South Dakota. While never among the most common names, its consistent presence and simple, strong sound have kept it familiar. With a current rank of 417 and a rate of 1 in 2,218 births, Reed remains a solid choice for parents seeking a surname-style given name with English roots.
Reed is derived from the Old English word 'read', meaning 'red'. It originated as a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion, later becoming a surname and then a given name. The name has been in consistent use since the 19th century, with notable use in the United States.
Where Reed is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Reedy
Sibling names for Reed
Names that share Reed's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Blake, Chloe, Emma, Grace, Molly, Angle, Brook, Clarke, Fawn, Ivy, Kendal, Rayn, Crimson, Denali, Dove, Drue, Harbor, Jori, Malory, Skyy, Teal, Bay, Brookie, Chapel, Nature, Patria, Pink, Prairie, Rainn, Reeda, Season, See, Sha, Shy, Vail, Vale, Ande, Bird, Blyss, Caress, Chae, Kerith, Mandolin, Miel, Mystery, Nelsy, Paw, Saje, Shere, Skie, Song, Tawn, Camey, Chey, Clova, Day, Fey, Free, Levee, Lind, Morning, Portland, Rus, Schae, Ski, Snoh, Teale, Temprence
Brothers: Cole, Grant, Jack, Liam, Owen, Bishop, Boston, Brown, Colton, Cove, Dyson, Flint, Grey, Heath, Hendrix, Kashmir, Penn, Rand, Stone, Tate, Tru, Valen, Wade, Wes, West, Arrow, Ash, Blue, Broc, Cache, Chan, Cross, Dash, Hart, Holt, Lake, Mace, Nile, Parks, Rhodes, Rivers, Rush, Thayne, True, Webb, Wright, Yale, Ashe, Banner, Bayne, Bleu, Blu, Branch, Brek, Cage, Coda, Corde, Creek, Dael, Gable, Gates, Hill, Iam, Kree, Kyre, Lyfe, Moss, Quay, Quint, Raider, Rook, Slate, Tabor, Terrace, Trigg, Welles, Woods, Avid, Bow, Brick, Chanze, Cinch, Covey, Grayling, Hall, Kin, Laker, Layke, Pike, Rein, Saveon, Tan, Tay, Travelle, Zakk, Coal, Stokely, Trew, Bash, Bridge, Brookes, Bruk, Cable, Chanc, Cray, Credence, Croy, Dahl, Drin, Dune, Fleet, Given, Greene, Layn, Leaf, Lovel, Pax, Random, Remon, Revere, Seaver, Seger, Terik, Tjay, Trek, Tyme, Vane, Wise
Names like Reed
Names whose popularity has moved with Reed's over the last 50 years.
