Reaves

Reaves is an uncommon masculine surname-turned-first-name with English origins. It derives from the Middle English word "reeve," which referred to a local administrative official or land manager in medieval England. As a given name, Reaves carries a distinctive professional quality with aristocratic undertones. Its transition from surname to first name follows the popular trend of adopting family surnames as given names, particularly in American naming traditions. Reaves has a strong, crisp sound with its single-syllable pronunciation, making it distinctive while still being relatively straightforward. The name remains quite rare as a first name, giving it a unique quality for those who bear it.

Pronounced REEVZ.

As of October 2026, Reaves ranked #8101 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #4093 in 1926.