Reef Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'Reef' originates from Middle English, meaning a ridge or coral formation. It has evolved from Old English and is associated with natural landscapes. The name lacks biblical relevance and has gained popularity in contemporary times, especially among nature enthusiasts.
The name Reef is most popular in Hawaii, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West 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, Reef has been stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Reef' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 15579th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3109th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2320th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 32490th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 15733rd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Reef' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Reef"
Pronunciation
/riːf/
Origin
Middle English
Etymology
The name 'Reef' is derived from the Middle English word 'refe,' which refers to a ridge of rocks or coral in the sea. It is connected to nautical terminology and reflects the natural landscape.
Meaning
ridge, coral formation
Language Evolution
Old English: hrēof, Middle English: refe, Modern English: reef
Historical Usage
The usage of the name 'Reef' is relatively modern and has gained popularity in recent decades, particularly as a nature-inspired name.
Variants & Derivatives
Reefe, Rief
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, 'Reef' is perceived as a fresh and nature-oriented name, often associated with the ocean and marine life.
Explore More Reef Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Reef"
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 "Reef"
"Reef" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 15579th of 16616 | 6 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3109th of 24088 | 522 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2320th of 23106 | 706 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 32490th of 35406 | 7 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 15733rd of 30306 | 49 |
Regional Popularity of "Reef" by Generation for Male 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) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
29.89% 2186th/7313 |
21.20% 1582nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
27.92% 1905th/6822 |
19.77% 1241st/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Reef" 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) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Reef"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Reef" 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.