Rising since 1988, #3,450 for boys today.
Popularity of Reeve since 1913
Babies named Reeve per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 5 |
| 1920s | 0 | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 | 6 |
| 1940s | 0 | 5 |
| 1950s | 0 | 15 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 24 |
| 1980s | 0 | 31 |
| 1990s | 7 | 84 |
| 2000s | 72 | 211 |
| 2010s | 116 | 343 |
| 2020s | 44 | 215 |
Meaning & origin
Reeve, an occupational surname turned given name, has been in use as a first name in the United States since 1913. With a 2025 rank of 3,450th and a frequency of 1 in 51,760 births, it remains relatively rare. Its popularity peaked in 2016, reflecting a broader trend of surname-style names gaining favor in the 2010s. The name has been rising steadily since 1988, when it first began to appear more consistently on the charts. Reeve carries a straightforward, one-syllable sound and a professional, historical resonance. While no top states are listed for recent births, it has broad appeal across regions. The name's trajectory suggests continued modest use, particularly among parents drawn to understated, traditional English names.
Reeve is derived from the Old English word 'gerēfa,' meaning 'bailiff' or 'steward,' an official who administered a lord's estate. It was used as a surname for someone holding that office before becoming a given name. The name gained modest use in the United States in the early 20th century and saw a notable uptick after 1988.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Reeves
Sibling names for Reeve
Names that share Reeve's style, for a brother or sister.
