REEVE
Reeve
Reeve is an ancient English surname with roots that can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period. The surname is occupational in nature, derived from the Old English word "gerefa," meaning an official or overseer. A reeve was an important official in medieval England, responsible for the administration of a manor or estate on behalf of the lord.
The first recorded instance of the Reeve surname dates back to the late 11th century, during the reign of William the Conqueror. Since then, the surname has been documented in various forms, including Reve, Reave, and Reves. The spelling of the surname has evolved over time due to variations in regional accents and dialects.
Historically, individuals bearing the surname Reeve were often associated with roles of authority and responsibility within their communities. They would have been tasked with overseeing the day-to-day operations of a manor, collecting rents, and maintaining order among the tenants.
Over the centuries, the Reeve surname has spread throughout the British Isles and beyond, with descendants of Reeve families now residing in countries around the world. The surname has also given rise to notable individuals in various fields, including literature, politics, and entertainment.
Today, the surname Reeve continues to be passed down through generations, preserving a link to England's rich history and heritage. It remains a reminder of the important role played by reeves in the social and economic fabric of medieval England.
There are approximately 13,544 people named Reeve in the UK. That makes it the 664th most common surname in Britain. Around 208 in a million people in Britain are named Reeve.
Surname type: Status name
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Julie
- Karen
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
- Raev
- Raeva
- Rafe
- Raffo
- Raives
- Rav
- Rave
- Raves
- Reaf
- Reave
- Reaves
- Reavey
- Reavie
- Reeeves
- Reef
- Reefe
- Reefes
- Reeffe
- Reefs
- Reev
- Reevas
- Reevel
- Reever
- Reeves
- Reevey
- Reevie
- Reevis
- Reevs
- Reevy
- Reff
- Reif
- Reiv
- Reive
- Reiveo
- Reives
- Reva
- Revai
- Reve
- Revees
- Reves
- Revey
- Revez
- Revi
- Revie
- Revu
- Revy
- Riefe
- Rieve
- Rieves
- Rofe
- Roff
- Roffe
- Ruff
- Wreaves
- Wreves
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.