A 1920s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Reva since 1883
Babies named Reva per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 11 |
| 1890s | 212 |
| 1900s | 593 |
| 1910s | 2,067 |
| 1920s | 3,108 |
| 1930s | 2,379 |
| 1940s | 1,795 |
| 1950s | 1,582 |
| 1960s | 988 |
| 1970s | 503 |
| 1980s | 906 |
| 1990s | 517 |
| 2000s | 423 |
| 2010s | 571 |
| 2020s | 393 |
Meaning & origin
Reva is a name of Sanskrit origin, deeply tied to the sacred Narmada River in Hindu tradition. In the United States, it first appeared in records in 1883, with its peak popularity occurring in 1921. After declining through much of the 20th century, the name has been rising in usage since 2000, reflecting a broader interest in vintage and culturally rich names. In the most recent year tracked (2025), about 1 in 16,570 girls were named Reva, placing it at rank 1981. Parents in New Jersey, Washington, and Illinois have shown the most affinity for this distinctive name.
Reva originates from the Sanskrit root 'rev' (to move), and is commonly used as a feminine name in India. It is also a name for the Narmada River, a sacred waterway in Hindu mythology. In the West, Reva gained use in the 19th century, possibly as a variant of Rhea or a shortened form of Rebecca, though its Indian roots are primary.
Where Reva is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls 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: Rev, Eva, Vivi
Sibling names for Reva
Names that share Reva's style, for a brother or sister.
