Reeves is an English surname and given name of Old French origin. It derives from the Middle English word "Reves," which was used to refer to a steward or bailiff, often on a feudal estate. The name Reeves is believed to have originated from the Old French word "reve," meaning "steward" or "bailiff."
The use of Reeves as a given name began in the United States during the mid-20th century. It was likely influenced by the popularity of other surnames being used as first names at that time, such as Carter and Foster.
Reeves has never been a particularly common name, but it has been used steadily throughout history. According to some sources, the surname Reeves is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, with the highest concentration being in England.
While Reeves may not have any specific meanings or historical figures associated with it, its origins as a title of authority and responsibility make it an intriguing choice for a name. Its unique sound and spelling also contribute to its appeal as a distinctive name option.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Reeves has seen a significant increase in popularity over time in the United States. The earliest year listed is 1912 with 10 births, and the frequency of births with the name Reeves remained relatively low until around the late 1990s.
The number of births with the name Reeves began to consistently increase starting in the late 1990s, with a notable spike in popularity from 17 births in 1998 to 32 births in 2005. This trend continued into the early 2000s, with 17 births in 2008 and 15 births in 2009.
However, it wasn't until around 2012 that Reeves started to gain significant traction in popularity, with 21 births recorded that year. Since then, the name has consistently remained popular, with at least 18 births each year from 2012 onwards. The most recent data available shows that there were 33 births with the name Reeves in 2023.
In total, there have been 853 births with the name Reeves recorded in the United States since 1912. This is a significant increase from the earlier years and indicates that the name Reeves has become more popular over time.