Reed Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Reed originates from Old English, meaning 'reed' or 'red-haired'. It has evolved through historical forms such as Hreod and Reed. The name is associated with natural imagery and simplicity, with no biblical relevance. Its popularity increased during the Middle Ages and the 19th century, and it is regarded as a classic name today.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Reed"
Pronunciation
/riːd/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Reed is derived from the Old English word 'hreod', which means 'reed' or 'red-haired'. It originally referred to a person who lived near reeds or had reddish hair.
Meaning
reed, red-haired
Language Evolution
Hreod (Old English), Reed (Middle English), Reed (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Reed gained popularity as a surname in the Middle Ages and transitioned into a first name in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Variants & Derivatives
Reid, Red, Reeda
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Reed is perceived as a strong and classic name, often associated with nature and simplicity.
Famous People
Reed Hastings (co-founder of Netflix), Reed Richards (a fictional character from Marvel Comics, also known as Mr. Fantastic)
📊 Reed Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Reed Name Visualizations
✨ Reed Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,122 peak births in 2014
Geographic Spread
Popular across 50 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Reed" - Complete Guide (3 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Reed". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 3 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Reed" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Reed"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Reed"
"Reed" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 562nd of 7545 | 1,946 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 609th of 6773 | 1,753 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 506th of 7552 | 4,170 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 668th of 10718 | 2,408 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 549th of 16616 | 4,917 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 441st of 24088 | 9,589 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 377th of 23106 | 10,274 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 9107th of 9107 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 9204th of 9204 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 12526th of 12526 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 14367th of 19264 | 16 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 6152nd of 27321 | 206 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 5800th of 35406 | 339 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 4869th of 30306 | 331 |
Regional Popularity of "Reed" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
42.51% 602nd/1416 |
37.64% 519th/1379 |
32.08% 759th/2366 |
22.15% 253rd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
51.03% 789th/1546 |
36.31% 565th/1556 |
42.29% 995th/2353 |
20.10% 311th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
18.86% 420th/2227 |
20.16% 490th/2430 |
27.58% 787th/2853 |
13.44% 373rd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
19.88% 584th/2937 |
24.46% 852nd/3483 |
25.44% 895th/3518 |
13.82% 559th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
11.70% 431st/3685 |
14.32% 641st/4475 |
12.15% 631st/5194 |
8.63% 545th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
7.20% 330th/4582 |
9.20% 475th/5164 |
6.56% 480th/7313 |
6.69% 499th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
7.35% 293rd/3984 |
8.94% 401st/4487 |
5.76% 393rd/6822 |
7.30% 458th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Reed" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
93.65% 4191st/4475 |
100.00% 5194th/5194 |
100.00% 6317th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
100.00% 7313th/7313 |
100.00% 7463rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - |
87.41% 5486th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Reed"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Reed" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Reed" in the United States
The name Reed is most popular in Utah, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Reed has been too falling for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Reed' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 562nd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 609th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 506th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 668th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 549th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 441st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 377th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 9107th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 9204th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 12526th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 14367th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6152nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5800th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4869th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Reed' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.