Origin & Meaning of the Reeves Surname
What does the last name Reeves mean?
The surname Reeves carries the meaning "Son of Reeves." 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 81,978 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Reeves ranks as the #390 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Reeves come from?
The Reeves 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 Reeves name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Reeves 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 | Reeves |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Reeves |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #390 |
| US Count (2010) | 81,978 |
| Per 100K People | 27.79 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Reeves
According to the US Census, the Reeves surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 81,978 Americans with the Reeves last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 77.31% |
| Black | 16.52% |
| Hispanic | 2.71% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 0.77% |
| Two or More Races | 2.12% |
Popularity of Reeves Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Reeves surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Reeves surname increased by 2,161 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Reeves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reeves
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