Reed Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Reed Name Meaning

Fact: The name Reed also refers to the leaves with straplike that are used to make mats.

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A Deep Dive

Reed Overview

Meaning

Red hair

Gender

Boy, Gender-neutral

Origin

Old English

Etymology

Derived from the Old English word “read,” meaning “red,” originally used as a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion.

Pronunciation

/riːd/

Popularity

Reed is a name with broad appeal, found in various English-speaking countries. In 2023, it came in the #429 spot for boys in the United States.

Syllable

1 syllable

Length

4 letters

Numerology

5 (Visionary, Expansive, Adventurous)

Name Styles

Nature-inspired, Short, Cool

Associated Traits

Natural, wholesome, strong, simple.

Name Day

August 30th (Czech Republic), July 16th
A Deep Dive

Reed Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Reid, Read, Reade, Red, Ried, Reidar, Reider, Reeds, Reidman, Reedly

Common Nicknames

Reedy, Ree, Red, R, Reeds, Re, Eddy, Dee, R-Man, Reedster

Diminutives

Reedy, Re, Ree, Red, Reddy, Reesie, Reenie, Eedie, Reedie, Reester

Famous People

  • Lou Reed
    (American Musician)
  • Reed Hastings
    (American Entrepreneur)
  • Willis Reed
    (American Basketball Player)
  • Reed Diamond
    (American Actor)
  • Donna Reed
    (American Actress)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Malcolm Reed
    ("Star Trek: Enterprise," TV Series)
  • Donna Reed
    ("The Donna Reed Show," TV Series)
  • Reed Richards
    ("Fantastic Four," Comic Series)
  • Jerry Reed
    ("Smokey and the Bandit," Film Series)

Places

  • Reed Town
    (Arkansas, USA)
  • Reed Community
    (Kentucky, USA)
  • Reed City
    (Michigan, USA)
  • Reed Creek
    (Georgia, USA)
  • Reed Point
    (Montana, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Reed?

The name Reed means “red hair,” with people bearing the name often seen as lively and adventurous.

What Is the Origin of The Name Reed?

The name Reed has English origins, deriving from the Old English word “read,” meaning “red.”

Reed Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Reed in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#4152021#4152022#4292023
Top 3 Rankings#3172014#3212013#3302015

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Reed

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023429
(-14 from 2022)
724
(-51 from 2022)
0.03954
2022415
No change from 2021
775
(+36 from 2021)
0.04138
2021415
(+35 from 2020)
739
(+80 from 2020)
0.03944
2020450
(-48 from 2019)
659
(-118 from 2019)
0.03563
2019402
(-26 from 2018)
777
(-78 from 2018)
0.04043
2018376
(+3 from 2017)
855
(-6 from 2017)
0.04399
2017379
(-28 from 2016)
861
(-101 from 2016)
0.04350
2016351
(-21 from 2015)
962
(-83 from 2015)
0.04749
2015330
(-13 from 2014)
1045
(-51 from 2014)
0.05111
2014317
(+4 from 2013)
1096
(+64 from 2013)
0.05348
2013321
(+50 from 2012)
1032
(+215 from 2012)
0.05107
2012371
(-4 from 2011)
817
(+8 from 2011)
0.04026
2011367
(+14 from 2010)
809
(+50 from 2010)
0.03982
2010381
(+38 from 2009)
759
(+72 from 2009)
0.03694
2009419
(-14 from 2008)
687
(-39 from 2008)
0.03239
2008405
(+45 from 2007)
726
(+109 from 2007)
0.03330
2007450
(+20 from 2006)
617
(+49 from 2006)
0.02785
2006470
(+1 from 2005)
568
(+38 from 2005)
0.02591
2005471
(+12 from 2004)
530
(+16 from 2004)
0.02491
2004483
(+25 from 2003)
514
(+36 from 2003)
0.02432
2003508
(-15 from 2002)
478
(+10 from 2002)
0.02275
2002493
(-21 from 2001)
468
(-33 from 2001)
0.02265
2001472
(-23 from 2000)
501
(-28 from 2000)
0.02422
2000449
(-26 from 1999)
529
(-29 from 1999)
0.02533
1999423
(+14 from 1998)
558
(+34 from 1998)
0.02737
1998437
(+8 from 1997)
524
(+20 from 1997)
0.02584
1997445
(-23 from 1996)
504
(-28 from 1996)
0.02523
1996422
(-8 from 1995)
532
(-18 from 1995)
0.02655
1995414
(+28 from 1994)
550
(+41 from 1994)
0.02734
1994442
(+39 from 1993)
509
(+72 from 1993)
0.02497
1993481
(+47 from 1992)
437
(+70 from 1992)
0.02116
1992528
(+87 from 1991)
367
(+91 from 1991)
0.01748
1991615
(+40 from 1990)
276
(+38 from 1990)
0.01302
1990655
(+11 from 1989)
238
(+12 from 1989)
0.01106
1989666
(-90 from 1988)
226
(-29 from 1988)
0.01078
1988576
(+8 from 1987)
255
(+15 from 1987)
0.01274
1987584
(-2 from 1986)
240
(+7 from 1986)
0.01231
1986582
(-4 from 1985)
233
(+3 from 1985)
0.01212
1985578
(+16 from 1984)
230
(+26 from 1984)
0.01195
1984594
(-1 from 1983)
204
(-3 from 1983)
0.01087
1983593
(-7 from 1982)
207
(-10 from 1982)
0.01111
1982586
(+24 from 1981)
217
(+21 from 1981)
0.01150
1981610
(+10 from 1980)
196
(-2 from 1980)
0.01052
1980620
(+109 from 1979)
198
(+57 from 1979)
0.01068
1979729
(-126 from 1978)
141
(-50 from 1978)
0.00787
1978603
(+103 from 1977)
191
(+46 from 1977)
0.01118
1977706
(-9 from 1976)
145
(+4 from 1976)
0.00848
1976697
(+28 from 1975)
141
(+11 from 1975)
0.00864
1975725
(-60 from 1974)
130
(-18 from 1974)
0.00801
1974665
(+18 from 1973)
148
(+12 from 1973)
0.00908
1973683
(+41 from 1972)
136
(+15 from 1972)
0.00843
1972724
(+3 from 1971)
121
(-8 from 1971)
0.00723
1971727
(-109 from 1970)
129
(-44 from 1970)
0.00710
1970618
(+19 from 1969)
173
(+18 from 1969)
0.00908
1969637
No change from 1968
155
(+13 from 1968)
0.00847
1968637
(-22 from 1967)
142
(-6 from 1967)
0.00800
1967615
(-14 from 1966)
148
(-5 from 1966)
0.00832
1966601
(+9 from 1965)
153
(-4 from 1965)
0.00842
1965610
(-29 from 1964)
157
(-28 from 1964)
0.00829
1964581
(+28 from 1963)
185
(+19 from 1963)
0.00913
1963609
(-47 from 1962)
166
(-31 from 1962)
0.00804
1962562
(+28 from 1961)
197
(+18 from 1961)
0.00937
1961590
(-48 from 1960)
179
(-35 from 1960)
0.00830
1960542
(+10 from 1959)
214
(+17 from 1959)
0.00988
1959552
(-61 from 1958)
197
(-55 from 1958)
0.00909
1958491
(-32 from 1957)
252
(-31 from 1957)
0.01169
1957459
(-8 from 1956)
283
(+1 from 1956)
0.01293
1956451
No change from 1955
282
(+12 from 1955)
0.01314
1955451
(+6 from 1954)
270
(+18 from 1954)
0.01292
1954457
(-19 from 1953)
252
(-11 from 1953)
0.01218
1953438
(+10 from 1952)
263
(+13 from 1952)
0.01314
1952448
(-13 from 1951)
250
(+9 from 1951)
0.01267
1951435
(+33 from 1950)
241
(+37 from 1950)
0.01261
1950468
(-56 from 1949)
204
(-64 from 1949)
0.01122
1949412
(+91 from 1948)
268
(+96 from 1948)
0.01487
1948503
(+29 from 1947)
172
(+12 from 1947)
0.00965
1947532
(+16 from 1946)
160
(+25 from 1946)
0.00861
1946548
(+24 from 1945)
135
(+23 from 1945)
0.00818
1945572
(+17 from 1944)
112
(+3 from 1944)
0.00817
1944589
(+10 from 1943)
109
(-2 from 1943)
0.00785
1943599
(-67 from 1942)
111
(-20 from 1942)
0.00763
1942532
(+81 from 1941)
131
(+35 from 1941)
0.00930
1941613
(+9 from 1940)
96
(+5 from 1940)
0.00765
1940622
(+73 from 1939)
91
(+18 from 1939)
0.00767
1939695
(-98 from 1938)
73
(-25 from 1938)
0.00644
1938597
(+145 from 1937)
98
(+31 from 1937)
0.00862
1937742
(-73 from 1936)
67
(-11 from 1936)
0.00613
1936669
(-6 from 1935)
78
(-2 from 1935)
0.00733
1935663
(-21 from 1934)
80
(-7 from 1934)
0.00748
1934642
(-18 from 1933)
87
(+1 from 1933)
0.00819
1933624
(+8 from 1932)
86
(-3 from 1932)
0.00843
1932632
(-67 from 1931)
89
(-19 from 1931)
0.00828
1931565
(+19 from 1930)
108
(+3 from 1930)
0.01010
1930584
(-27 from 1929)
105
(-7 from 1929)
0.00930
1929557
(+1 from 1928)
112
(-8 from 1928)
0.01011
1928558
(+34 from 1927)
120
(+11 from 1927)
0.01052
1927592
(-86 from 1926)
109
(-35 from 1926)
0.00938
1926506
(+82 from 1925)
144
(+30 from 1925)
0.01257
1925588
(+25 from 1924)
114
(+6 from 1924)
0.00990
1924613
(-41 from 1923)
108
(-11 from 1923)
0.00924
1923572
(-35 from 1922)
119
(-17 from 1922)
0.01051
1922537
(-16 from 1921)
136
(-6 from 1921)
0.01209
1921521
(+30 from 1920)
142
(+19 from 1920)
0.01248
1920551
(+36 from 1919)
123
(+19 from 1919)
0.01117
1919587
(-46 from 1918)
104
(-19 from 1918)
0.01024
1918541
(-32 from 1917)
123
(-4 from 1917)
0.01173
1917509
(+65 from 1916)
127
(+27 from 1916)
0.01324
1916574
(-12 from 1915)
100
(-1 from 1915)
0.01083
1915562
(+60 from 1914)
101
(+35 from 1914)
0.01147
1914622
(-99 from 1913)
66
(-1 from 1913)
0.00966
1913523
(+112 from 1912)
67
(+24 from 1912)
0.01249
1912635
(-73 from 1911)
43
(+14 from 1911)
0.00952
1911562
(-50 from 1910)
29
(-1 from 1910)
0.01201
1910512
(+167 from 1909)
30
(+14 from 1909)
0.01439
1909679
(-66 from 1908)
16
(-2 from 1908)
0.00905
1908613
(-22 from 1907)
18
No change from 1907
0.01082
1907591
(-68 from 1906)
18
(-1 from 1906)
0.01135
1906523
(-16 from 1905)
19
(-1 from 1905)
0.01319
1905507
(+31 from 1904)
20
(+3 from 1904)
0.01396
1904538
(-87 from 1903)
17
(-4 from 1903)
0.01227
1903451
(+9 from 1902)
21
No change from 1902
0.01624
1902460
(+177 from 1901)
21
(+10 from 1901)
0.01582
1901637
(+43 from 1900)
11
(-3 from 1900)
0.00952
1900680
(+34 from 1899)
14
(+5 from 1899)
0.00864
1899714
(-262 from 1898)
9
(-11 from 1898)
0.00781
1898452
(+163 from 1897)
20
(+8 from 1897)
0.01514
1897615
(-97 from 1896)
12
(-4 from 1896)
0.00984
1896518
(-62 from 1895)
16
(-3 from 1895)
0.01240
1895456
(+138 from 1894)
19
(+7 from 1894)
0.01500
1894594
(+21 from 1893)
12
(+1 from 1893)
0.00961
1893615
(-90 from 1892)
11
(-4 from 1892)
0.00909
1892525
(+72 from 1891)
15
(+5 from 1891)
0.01141
1891597
(-64 from 1890)
10
(-3 from 1890)
0.00915
1890533
(+16 from 1889)
13
(+1 from 1889)
0.01086
1889549
(-44 from 1888)
12
(-3 from 1888)
0.01008
1888505
(+416 from 1887)
15
(+10 from 1887)
0.01155
1887921
(+38 from 1886)
5
No change from 1886
0.00457
1886959
(-123 from 1885)
5
(-1 from 1885)
0.00420
1885836
(-173 from 1884)
6
(-3 from 1884)
0.00517
1884663
(+57 from 1883)
9
(+2 from 1883)
0.00733
1883720
(-68 from 1882)
7
(-2 from 1882)
0.00622
1882652
(+1 from 1881)
9
(+1 from 1881)
0.00738
1881653
First SSA data recorded
8
First SSA data recorded
0.00739
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Reed

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#6702021#4752022#6072023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#5352021#6532022#6342023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#3042021#2522022#3822023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#3312021#3762022#4002023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#4542021#4992022#2542023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#4002021#2462022#2892023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#4722021#3432022#4262023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#4742021#6852022#5412023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#3752021#4202022#2852023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#4412021#5672022#4942023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#3412021#2592022#4082023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#2842021#4472022#2772023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#4412021#4412022#4912023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#2912021#2422022#2842023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#2402021#2832022#3742023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#4532021#3952022#4082023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#5272021#4082022#4652023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#3942021#3512022#3962023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#2822021#2592022#2382023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#2992021#3282022#3432023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#3242021#3052022#4262023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#4532021#5162022#4652023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#6332021#5032022#4232023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#4082021#5232022#4802023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#5202021#5772022#3582023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#3942021#3432022#3962023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#6162021#4202022#5712023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#5812021#4302022#6572023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#3752021#6352022#3182023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#3882021#3112022#3352023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#3622021#3522022#3192023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#4702021#6692022#6112023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#6062021#5142022#4492023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#1852019#2502021#3802022

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#3412021#4522022#5132023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#2032021#2782022#2072023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#3722021#3912022#5552023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1842018#2162020#2812022

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#2462020#3792021#2022022

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#2122020#1802021#2262022

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#2592018#2222022#1562023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#2502015#2112017#2062021

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#4402015#4462018#5462020

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2771980#2491991#3021992

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#2512021#1952022#1502023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#2012003#1302008

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#2051999#1572013

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#1452013#1162017

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#2232014#2302019

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#1502014#1332018

Popularity Rankings for Reed in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#3372015

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#6122021#7452022#6972023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#7102017

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#8832014

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Reed a Name for Boys or Girls?

Reed is considered a gender-neutral name, but it tends to works leaning on the masculine side.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Reed

Reed in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Lou Reed (Musician, 1942–2013): Frontman of the Velvet Underground and a pioneering figure in rock music.
  • Reed Hastings (Entrepreneur, 1960): Co-founder and CEO of Netflix, a major player in the streaming industry.
  • Willis Reed (Basketball Player, 1942–2023): Star player for the New York Knicks, known for his leadership and clutch performances.
  • Reed Diamond (Actor, 1967): An actor known for his roles in "Homicide: Life on the Street" and "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."
  • Donna Reed (Actress, 1921–1986): Oscar-winning actress famous for her role in "It's a Wonderful Life."
  • Malcolm Reed ("Star Trek: Enterprise," 2001 TV Series): The armory officer known for his expertise in weapons and security on the starship Enterprise.
  • Donna Reed ("The Donna Reed Show," 1958 TV Series): A classic TV show about an idealized American family led by the character Donna Stone.
  • "Reed Richards" ("Fantastic Four," 1961 Comic Series): A brilliant scientist and leader of the Fantastic Four with the ability to stretch his body.
  • Jerry Reed ("Smokey and the Bandit," 1977 Film Series): A country singer and actor who played the trucker Cledus "Snowman" Snow.
  • Reed Town (Arkansas, USA): A small town in Arkansas known for its rural setting and agricultural community.
  • Reed Community (Kentucky, USA): A rural community in Henderson County, characterized by its scenic landscapes and farming heritage.
  • Reed City (Michigan, USA): A city in Osceola County known for its historical downtown and vibrant local events.
  • Reed Creek (Georgia, USA): A census-designated place in Hart County, notable for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
  • Reed Point (Montana, USA): A small town famous for its annual "Great Montana Sheep Drive" event.

Similar Names to Reed

Sibling Names for Reed

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Do you find the name Reed a suiting choice for your kid? Let me know what you think in the comment section and don’t forget to share the name to parents in need of new name ideas.
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

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Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

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