Reed

♀ Girl

Pronounced REED /ˈrid/High

Meaning: From the English surname Reed — from Old English read, 'red (-haired)', or 'a reed, a marsh plant'; here for girls; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Red-haired; a reed: Reed is an English surname/word — 'red-haired' (and 'a reed'). Crisp, sleek, and warm. Used for both sexes.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningFrom the English surname Reed — from Old English read, 'red (-haired)', or 'a reed, a marsh plant'; here for girls; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#5736 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births22 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1996

Total births (all-time)≈ 907

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

Reed comes from the English surname Reed — from Old English read, 'red', a nickname for a red-haired or ruddy person — and it also echoes the word reed, 'a tall marsh grass' (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, sleek, modern surname/nature word-name, used for both sexes (predominantly boys'), here for girls (slug distinguished; said 'REED').

It registers thinly for girls. Rare for girls, red-haired-or-a-reed at the root, and sleek.

Did you know? Reed means 'red(-haired)' (Old English read) — and also 'a reed, a marsh plant' — a crisp, sleek nature/surname-name, used for both sexes (here for girls; said 'REED').

Overall data confidence 58%

Behind the Name — Reed — routes layered

Variations

ReidReadReede

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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By themeuncertain english unisex surname-name nature

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Reed mean?

Reed is an English surname, 'red(-haired)', and a word, 'a reed, a marsh plant'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Reed?

It's said REED /ˈrid/ — one syllable.

Is Reed a boy or girl name?

Reed is used for both sexes (predominantly boys'); this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Reed?

Reed is rare for girls in the U.S.