Holding steady.
Popularity of Reka since 1889
Babies named Reka per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1991, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Reka's real moment was 1892.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 47 |
| 1900s | 20 |
| 1910s | 38 |
| 1920s | 27 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 18 |
| 1970s | 41 |
| 1980s | 39 |
| 1990s | 30 |
| 2000s | 45 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Reka is a rare Hungarian name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1889, with its peak year of usage in 1892 during the 1890s decade. Despite its early appearance, the name has never been common; its trajectory has remained stable but with very low frequency, and no top states recorded significant use. The name's etymology is debated, connecting it either to a Germanic root meaning 'counsel' or to a Hungarian word for 'queen'. Its unfamiliarity in English-speaking countries means it retains a distinctive, old-fashioned charm, appealing to families with Hungarian heritage or those seeking an uncommon name with a European flair. The name has not experienced any revival in recent decades.
Reka is generally considered a Hungarian name, though its exact derivation is uncertain. It may be a variant of Réka, traditionally linked to the Germanic element 'ragin' meaning 'counsel' or 'advice', making it akin to names like Regina. Another theory connects it to an old Hungarian word for 'queen' (réka) or a diminutive of older names. The name saw modest use in the late 19th century in the United States, often among immigrant communities, but has never been widespread.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Réka
Sibling names for Reka
Names that share Reka's style, for a brother or sister.
