What does Reba mean and where does it come from?
Reba is a name of English origin, though it also has roots in Hebrew where it means 'a handful.' It gained prominence in the 20th century, especially in American culture. The name is particularly associated with singer Reba McEntire, who has contributed significantly to country music, making the nam
Cultural significance
Reba has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to tie or bind.
Peak popularity
Reached #231 in 1928 — currently #1349 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Reba?
Reba works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Reba Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Reba Rose
Floral · soft ending
Reba Claire
French influence · crisp
Reba Jane
Literary · strong
Reba Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Reba right now?
Holding steady — currently #1349 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1349 | 851 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1354 | 831 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1359 | 801 | ▲ up 4910 · +4350% births |
| 2020 | #6269 | 18 | ▲ up 1724 · +29% births |
| 2015 | #7993 | 14 | ▼ down 1091 · -22% births |
| 2010 | #6902 | 18 | ▼ down 2195 · -36% births |
| 2005 | #4707 | 28 | ▼ down 1114 · -22% births |
| 2000 | #3593 | 36 | ▼ down 2257 · -71% births |
| 1995 | #1336 | 123 | ▲ up 111 · +14% births |
| 1990 | #1447 | 108 | ▲ up 655 · +116% births |
| 1985 | #2102 | 50 | ▲ up 438 · +35% births |
| 1980 | #2540 | 37 | ▼ down 685 · -24% births |
| 1975 | #1855 | 49 | ▼ down 838 · -60% births |
| 1970 | #1017 | 122 | ▼ down 318 · -39% births |
| 1965 | #699 | 199 | — |
The story of Reba
Reba has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 35,390 babies have received this name. Once ranked #488 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1349 in 2023. Reba is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Reba in 1928:
Reba by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 224 | |
| 1890s | 841 | |
| 1900s | 1,493 | |
| 1910s | 5,094 | |
| 1920s ★ | 7,343 | |
| 1930s | 6,205 | |
| 1940s | 4,847 | |
| 1950s | 4,139 | |
| 1960s | 2,175 | |
| 1970s | 737 | |
| 1980s | 658 | |
| 1990s | 1,136 | |
| 2000s | 293 | |
| 2010s | 187 | |
| 2020s | 18 | |
What are good nicknames for Reba?
What names sound and feel like Reba?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Reba also consider these
How is Reba written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Reba
What does the name Reba mean?
Reba means "to tie or bind" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Reba?
Reba is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Reba?
Reba originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Reba?
Reba is a two-syllable name pronounced R IY1 B AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Reba a common or rare name?
Reba is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.