Find out how popular the first name Reef has been for the last 29 years (from 1996 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Reef by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Reef is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 96% of people named Reef being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 52 male babies and 10 female babies born with the name Reef.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 10 baby girls were named Reef in 2024, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Reef

The name Reef has its origins in the Arabic language, where it is derived from the word "rif," meaning a coastal area or a reef in the sea. It first emerged as a given name in the Middle East and North Africa during the medieval period, around the 7th to 13th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Reef was Reef ibn Gharam, a renowned Arab poet from the 8th century. His poetry celebrated the beauty of nature and the maritime lifestyle, often drawing inspiration from the coastal regions where he lived.

In Islamic history, Reef al-Din al-Jazari, born in 1136 in present-day Turkey, was a renowned engineer and inventor. He is best known for his pioneering work in designing and constructing automated machines, including early examples of programmable robots.

Another notable figure was Reef ibn Abi al-Qasim, a 12th-century Arab mathematician and astronomer from Seville, Spain. He made significant contributions to the study of spherical trigonometry and the calculation of planetary movements.

During the Renaissance period, the name Reef was also found in Europe, particularly in regions with strong maritime traditions. One such individual was Reef Blundell, an English sea captain and explorer born in 1580. He led several expeditions to the West Indies and is credited with mapping and charting parts of the Caribbean coastline.

In the 19th century, Reef Brander was a Dutch-born American artist and painter known for his realistic depictions of coastal landscapes and seascapes. He was born in 1789 and spent much of his life in New York City, where he gained recognition for his artistic talents.

While the name Reef has its roots in Arabic and Islamic cultures, it has since been adopted by various linguistic communities around the world, particularly those with strong maritime connections or coastal settlements. Its association with the natural beauty of reefs and coastal environments has contributed to its enduring appeal as a given name.

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 Reef was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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