Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Reed
BoyEnglish, Old English· “red-haired”
- Meaning
- red-haired
- Origin
- English, Old English
- Pronunciation
- REED
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #419
- US babies 2025
- 770
- Best rank
- #318 (2014)
- Peak year
- 2014
Meaning and origin of Reed
Reed is an English and Old English name that means “red-haired”.
Reed comes from an English surname based on the Old English read, meaning red, originally a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. It is also the word for tall grasses that grow near water, which gives the name a second, natural image, although that is a separate word. Reed has been used as a given name in the United States for generations and remains quietly popular. Journalist John Reed and singer Lou Reed carried the surname. Reed is short, clean and understated, and Reid is a common Scottish spelling of the same surname.
Other spellings with the same sound: Reid.
Popularity over time
Reed first appears in US Social Security records in 1881. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 143 different years, starting in 1881. Its best national rank was #318 in 2014, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,096 babies. In 2025, 770 babies were named Reed, and it ranked #419 nationally. That is 26% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #557 in 1920, #468 in 1950, #621 in 1980, #449 in 2000, #381 in 2010, and #419 in 2025. Of the 36,056 US boys named Reed since records began, 25% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 5,618 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Kendrick, Zaiden, Cruz, Kamden, and Titus.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Reed ranked highest in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Delaware.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | #146 | 38 |
| West Virginia | #193 | 10 |
| Delaware | #197 | 6 |
| South Dakota | #217 | 7 |
| Oklahoma | #230 | 21 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 97% of US babies named Reed over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Reed is usually pronounced REED, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with R and ends in “-ed”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Reid.
Middle names for Reed
A few middle names that flow with Reed: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Reed
Similar names
Colt Boy
KOHLT
“young horse” · English
#285
Ford Boy
FAWRD
“river crossing” · English
#474
Heath Boy
HEETH
“heath, open land with heather” · English
#932
Creed Boy
KREED
“belief, creed” · English
#663
Blake Boy
BLAYK
“black or pale” · English
#316
Sage Unisex
SAYJ
“wise; the herb” · Latin
#160
Oakley Unisex
OHK-lee
“oak clearing” · English
#156
Tate Boy
TAYT
“from an Old English personal name” · English
#194
Cade Boy
KAYD
“from an English surname; round, lumpy” · English
#248
Drake Boy
DRAYK
“dragon” · English
#827
Brock Boy
BRAHK
“badger” · English
#810
Sky Unisex
SKY
“sky” · English
#949
Lists that include Reed
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Reed mean?
Reed is an English and Old English name that means “red-haired”.
What is the origin of the name Reed?
Reed has English and Old English roots. Reed comes from an English surname based on the Old English read, meaning red, originally a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion.
Is Reed a popular name?
Yes. Reed ranked #419 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Reed a boy or girl name?
Reed is mainly a boy's name. About 97% of US babies named Reed over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Reed?
Reed is usually pronounced REED. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings