Declining since 2022, #2,480 for boys today.
Popularity of Reef since 1996
Babies named Reef per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 30 |
| 2000s | 311 |
| 2010s | 573 |
| 2020s | 376 |
Meaning & origin
Reef is a modern word name inspired by nature and the sea. First recorded in 1996, it has seen modest use in the United States, with its peak popularity occurring in 2021 when it ranked 2480th. Since 2022, its usage has been declining. Currently, approximately 1 in every 31,631 newborn boys receives the name. It is most popular in Hawaii, Florida, and California, states with strong coastal identities. Reef fits within a broader trend of nature-inspired names and offers a simple, evocative choice for parents drawn to marine imagery.
Reef is a modern word name taken directly from the English term for a submerged ridge of rock or coral. It first appeared as a given name in the late 20th century, likely inspired by nature-themed naming trends and the popularity of coastal and ocean imagery. Its use has grown modestly, particularly in states with strong connections to the sea.
Where Reef is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Reef” around the world
Where Reef lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
New Zealand
14
babies in 2025
Sources: NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Sibling names for Reef
Names that share Reef's style, for a brother or sister.
