MallowbyNames

Reiner

RY-ner · Mighty army; wise army; from the Old German elements 'ragin' (counsel) and 'heri' (army).

2025 rank (boys)
#4,396
Babies named in 2025
23
Peak popularity
2024
2025 frequency
1 in 74,264 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 2004

Rising since 2004, #4,396 for boys today.

Popularity of Reiner since 1955

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

1121321960198020002020Most births 2024Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1950s16
1960s50
1970s5
1980s8
1990s26
2000s32
2010s82
2020s127

Meaning & origin

Reiner is a German name with roots in the Old High German elements 'ragin' (counsel) and 'heri' (army), giving it a strong and traditional meaning. Though never widely used in the United States, it has a steady presence, ranking 4,396 in 2025 with a 1-in-74,264 incidence. Its popularity has been slowly rising since 2004, and it reached its peak rank in 2024, suggesting a modest but growing interest. The name is most common in Texas, which aligns with states that have notable German heritage. For parents seeking a distinctive yet grounded name with a clear etymology and European history, Reiner offers a solid, masculine choice without being overly common.

Reiner is a German masculine name derived from the Old High German elements 'ragin' (counsel, advice) and 'heri' (army). It is a variant of the older form Rainer, which was introduced to England by the Normans in the form Reyner. The name has been in use in German-speaking countries since the Middle Ages, often associated with the Germanic heroic tradition.

Where Reiner is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Rein, Rey, Nero

Variants: Rainer, Reyner, Reinier, Ragnar

Sibling names for Reiner

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

Sisters: Greta, Ingrid, Liesel, Marta, Ursula

Brothers: Klaus, Dieter, Heinz, Kurt, Otto

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

R is for Reiner, our favorite little boy.

R is for Reiner…”

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

Make Reiner's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Reiner mean?
Reiner combines the Old German elements 'ragin' (counsel) and 'heri' (army), often interpreted as 'mighty army' or 'wise army.'
How popular is the name Reiner?
In 2025, Reiner ranked 4,396 in the U.S., with about 1 in every 74,264 boys given the name. Its peak year was 2024, and it has been rising in popularity since 2004.
Is Reiner a boy's name?
Yes, Reiner is predominantly used as a masculine given name in German-speaking countries and the U.S.