Reeve

At a Glance: Name: Reeve – Meaning: a medieval bailiff or local steward – Origin: English (occupational surname) – Gender: Neutral – Pronunciation: REEV

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Reeve (pronounced REEV) traces back to an English occupational surname for a medieval bailiff or local steward — someone who oversaw a manor or town on a lord's behalf. Today it's a gender-neutral first name with a modern, minimalist feel, built around a single short, crisp syllable. If you like names rooted in an actual job title rather than a softer, storybook meaning, Reeve fits that mold.

Meaning & Origin of Reeve

Meaning: A medieval bailiff or local steward.

Origin: English (occupational surname).

Source: Wiktionary.

How to Pronounce Reeve

Phonetic: REEV   IPA: /ˈriːv/

Popularity of Reeve

Social Security data from 1913 to 2024 shows Reeve peaking in 2016 at rank #2543 with 50 babies given the name, then settling to rank #3432 in 2024 with 34 babies — a name that's stayed rare but has held on for years rather than disappearing.

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration birth-name data, 1913–2024.

Make Reeve Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Reeve, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.

Names With a Similar Story

Derived from shared style, era, and origin data (or, for names we have no style data for, a similar Social Security popularity trajectory) — not a hand-picked list.

• Adley
• Arden
• Arrow
• Ash
• Bay
• Bear

FAQ

What does the name Reeve mean?

A medieval bailiff or local steward. (Source: Wiktionary, https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Reeve)

How do you pronounce Reeve?

Reeve is pronounced REEV (IPA: /ˈriːv/).

Is Reeve a popular name right now?

Reeve peaked at #2543 in 2016 and is ranked #3432 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1913–2024.)

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