Reel — Last Name Origin & Meaning

European origin Rank #6,399 in the US 5,316 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#6,399
▼ Down 381 since 2000
People in the US
5,316
1.8 per 100K people
Origin
European
European

Origin & Meaning of the Reel Surname

What does the last name Reel mean?

The surname Reel carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,316 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Reel ranks as the #6,399 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Reel come from?

The Reel surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Reel name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Reel trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

European European

Quick Facts

Surname Reel
Meaning Family name of European origin
Origin European
Language European
US Rank (2010) #6,399
US Count (2010) 5,316
Per 100K People 1.8
First Letter R

Ethnic Distribution of Reel

According to the US Census, the Reel surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,316 Americans with the Reel last name.

White 88.24%
Black 6.9%
Hispanic 1.88%
Asian/PI 0.51%
Native American 0.83%
Two+ Races 1.64%
Ethnic distribution of the Reel surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White88.24%
Black6.9%
Hispanic1.88%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.51%
Native American0.83%
Two or More Races1.64%

Popularity of Reel Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Reel surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#6,018
5,263 people
Down 381
Census 2010
#6,399
5,316 people

The number of Americans with the Reel surname increased by 53 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Reel Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Reel ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Reel

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Reel.

Other European Surnames

Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Reel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reel

The surname Reel is of European origin. Family name of European origin
The surname Reel is ranked #6,399 in the United States with approximately 5,316 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Family name of European origin. The name has European roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Reel surname is distributed as: 88.2% White, 6.9% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Reel ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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