Find out how popular the first name Nereo has been for the last 16 years (from 1987 to 2002) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nereo by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Nereo is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2002, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Nereo.

The history of the first name Nereo

The name Nereo originates from the Latin Nereus, which was the name of the ancient Greek sea god. Nereus was the eldest son of Pontus (the Sea) and Gaia (the Earth) in Greek mythology. The name Nereo derives from the Greek word "naros," meaning "water that flows."

Nereus was a minor sea deity in Greek mythology, often considered one of the old "marine gods" who came before the Olympians. He was depicted as an old man with a flowing beard, often riding a dolphin or sea monster. Nereus had the gift of prophecy and was known for his wisdom and knowledge of the sea's mysteries.

The earliest recorded use of the name Nereo can be traced back to ancient Roman times, when it was occasionally given to individuals born near the sea or associated with maritime activities. One notable historical figure named Nereo was Nereo Diogene, a Roman philosopher who lived in the 3rd century AD and wrote about the nature of the soul.

In medieval Europe, the name Nereo fell out of common use but still appeared occasionally in coastal regions with strong maritime traditions. One notable bearer of the name was Nereo Acciaioli, an Italian nobleman and admiral who lived in the 15th century and played a significant role in the naval battles between the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire.

During the Renaissance period, the name Nereo experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly in Italy, where it was often associated with the arts and literature. One notable figure was Nereo Sempronio, an Italian poet and playwright who lived in the 16th century and wrote works inspired by classical Greek mythology.

In more recent history, Nereo has been the name of several notable individuals, including Nereo Rocco, an Italian football player and manager who led the Italian national team to victory in the 1968 European Championship. Another notable bearer of the name was Nereo Costantini, an Italian architect who designed several iconic buildings in Rome during the early 20th century.

While Nereo is not a particularly common name today, it has a rich historical legacy and continues to be used in some regions, particularly those with strong maritime traditions or connections to Greek and Roman mythology.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Nereo was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Nereo, please contact us.

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