Reeve is an uncommon given name of English origin, derived from the Middle English word "reve", which means "guardian" or "overseer". It was originally used as a surname, referring to someone who held land on behalf of an absent lord or acted as a guardian or overseer of property. Over time, the name has evolved and is now occasionally used as a given name.
The name Reeve does not appear in any significant literary works or historical figures, nor is it associated with any particular religious significance. It has never been among the top names for newborns in England or other English-speaking countries, but it has gained some popularity as a unique alternative to more common names like Reeves and Reaves.
There are no specific traditions or rituals associated with the name Reeve. However, those who bear this name may have personal family traditions or celebrations associated with their birthdays or other important life events.
Overall, Reeve is an uncommon but distinctive given name of English origin, with a meaning that suggests responsibility, guardianship, and oversight. It may appeal to parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided, it appears that the name Reeve has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States.
The earliest recorded birth of a child named Reeve was in 1913, with five babies being given this name. This number remained consistent until the late 1940s and early 1950s when there were again five births each year from 1946 to 1958.
However, starting from the late 1970s, we begin to see a steady increase in the popularity of the name Reeve. In 1979, there were six births, and this number rose to seven in 1982 and again in 1986. The 1990s marked a significant turning point for the name's popularity, with a peak of thirteen births recorded in both 1995 and 1999.
The trend continued into the new millennium, with twenty-six births recorded in 2004, indicating that Reeve was becoming more common as a baby boy's name. This figure climbed to thirty-seven in 2013 and reached an all-time high of fifty in 2016.
Although there has been some fluctuation in recent years (with fewer births recorded in 2018 and 2019), the popularity of Reeve remains high, with forty-two births reported in 2021. Overall, since 1913, there have been a total of 877 babies named Reeve born in the United States.
These statistics demonstrate that while Reeve was once a relatively rare name, it has become increasingly popular over time, reaching its peak popularity within the past decade.