Reata

♀ Girl

Pronounced ree-AH-tuh /riˈɑː.tə/Medium

Meaning: From the Spanish reata, 'rope; lariat' — the word behind English 'lariat' (la reata). It is best known as a name through Reata, the sprawling Texas ranch in Edna Ferber's novel Giant and the film made from it. Used as a given name it carries that Western, big-sky flavour.Low

In 30 seconds: A Western word name: Reata is Spanish for 'rope, lariat' (said 'ree-AH-tuh') — and the name of the great ranch in Giant.

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Origin LowSpanish

MeaningFrom the Spanish reata, 'rope; lariat' — the word behind English 'lariat' (la reata). It is best known as a name through Reata, the sprawling Texas ranch in Edna Ferber's novel Giant and the film made from it. Used as a given name it carries that Western, big-sky flavour.

U.S. rank (2024)#14852 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2013

Total births (all-time)≈ 155

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Reata is a Spanish word — 'rope, lariat' — that slipped into English as lariat. As a given name it owes most of its currency to Reata, the immense Texas ranch in Edna Ferber's Giant and the film that followed, which we note honestly. It reads Western, warm, and a little cinematic (said 'ree-AH-tuh').

It appears only rarely in U.S. records. Rare, Western, and word-rooted.

Did you know? Reata is the Spanish word for a lariat — English 'lariat' is simply la reata run together. It is also the name of the vast Texas ranch in Giant, which we note honestly (said 'ree-AH-tuh').

Overall data confidence 45%

References — Reata — Spanish reata 'lariat'; Reata ranch in Giant

Variations

RiataReatta

Nicknames

ReaAta

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Reata mean?

Reata is Spanish for 'rope, lariat' — the source of English 'lariat.' It is also the ranch in the film Giant.

How do you pronounce Reata?

It's said ree-AH-tuh /riˈɑː.tə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Reata a boy or girl name?

Reata is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Reata?

Reata is a very rare name in the U.S.