Origin & Meaning of the Reaves Surname
What does the last name Reaves mean?
The surname Reaves carries the meaning "Son of Reaves." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 15,550 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Reaves ranks as the #2,344 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Reaves come from?
The Reaves surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Reaves name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Reaves trace back to Spanish. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Reaves |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Reaves |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,344 |
| US Count (2010) | 15,550 |
| Per 100K People | 5.27 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Reaves
According to the US Census, the Reaves surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 15,550 Americans with the Reaves last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 55.31% |
| Black | 39.47% |
| Hispanic | 2.17% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.33% |
| Native American | 0.33% |
| Two or More Races | 2.39% |
Popularity of Reaves Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Reaves surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Reaves surname increased by 1,085 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Reaves Family
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- ✓ The Reaves coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Reaves families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Reaves
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Reaves.
Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Reaves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reaves
Top Surnames Starting with R
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter R, ranked by population.
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