Find out how popular the first name Reo has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Reo by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Reo is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Reo being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 15 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Reo.

The history of the first name Reo

The name Reo has its origins in the Maori language of New Zealand. It is derived from the Maori word "reo" which means "voice" or "language". The name likely emerged in the late 18th or early 19th century as the Maori people came into contact with European settlers and began adopting European-style given names.

Reo does not appear to have any specific historical references or appearances in ancient texts or religious scriptures. However, it has been used as a given name for both males and females among the Maori people of New Zealand for several generations.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Reo is Reo Matatia, a 19th-century Maori leader and warrior from the Ngati Porou tribe. He was born around 1820 and played a significant role in the conflicts between Maori tribes and British colonial forces in the 1860s.

Another notable person with the name Reo was Reo Fortune, a New Zealand-born writer and actor who lived from 1884 to 1961. He was best known for his novels and stories set in the Pacific Islands, reflecting his experiences living and working in various island nations.

In more recent history, Reo Griffiths was a Maori politician and activist who served as a Member of the New Zealand Parliament from 1975 to 1981. He was born in 1928 and was a prominent advocate for Maori rights and self-determination.

Reo Maori Stevenson was a Maori artist and sculptor who lived from 1913 to 1994. He was renowned for his carvings and sculptures that celebrated Maori culture and traditions.

Reo Renata was a Maori composer and musician born in 1930. He was known for incorporating traditional Maori instruments and melodies into his compositions, helping to preserve and promote Maori musical heritage.

While the name Reo has its roots in the Maori language of New Zealand, it has also been adopted by people of various backgrounds around the world, particularly those with an appreciation for its unique meaning and cultural significance.

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

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

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