Surname Reves - Meaning and Origin
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Reves: What does the surname Reves mean?
The surname Reves is of Old French origin and is derived from the word "rêve", which translates to "dream" in English. Therefore, it is often understood to mean "dreamer". It was often used as a nickname for an idealistic or perhaps fanciful person, someone who lives in their imagined fantasies rather than the real world. Surnames typically originated as a way to distinguish individuals with the same first name, so the name Reves may have initially been given to an individual with these characteristics. Over time, it was passed down to descendants, becoming a family name. It's also worth noting that surnames can have multiple origins, and the meaning can vary based on geographical region and local traditions. Thus, the meaning of the surname Reves might have different interpretations in different societies or cultures.
Order DNA origin analysisReves: Where does the name Reves come from?
The last name Reves is found in different parts of the world today. In Europe, it can be found in Spain, Italy, and France. It is especially common in Spain due to its proximity to Latin America, as many people with Spanish heritage have resettled in Spain throughout the centuries. In the Americas, Reves can be found in the United States, Mexico, and most of Central and South America. It is particularly common in Venezuela, where it is the 26th most popular last name. Latin America is the region with the highest number of people with the last name Reves, followed by the United States. In Canada, the last name is less common but can be found mainly in the eastern part of the country, and other parts of the world, including Africa and Asia. While the Reves last name is not as common as it was in the past, it is still widely found in countries around the world, providing evidence of its long legacy.
Variations of the surname Reves
The surname Reves has several variant spellings, including Reeves, Reaves, Reeve, Reeves, Rievs, Riéves, and Reves. All of these spellings are derived from the Old English word "riof," meaning "stronghold," "stronghold keeper," or "watchman."
The traditional spelling, Reeve, as found in the Domesday Book of 1086, is the spelling most frequently found in England and Normandy, typically referring to a high-ranking feudal official or local magistrate. This spelling is also seen as a rare given name, as in the 12th-century Archbishop of Canterbury, Richard of Canterbury, better known as Richard the Reeve.
In Scotland, Reaves is the most common spelling of the surname, with Reeve the second most common. In the United States, Reaves is the most common spelling, followed closely by Reeves.
In France, the spelling Riéves is most commonly found. Riéves is typical of the Poitou region, where an ancient castle of the Rievs family is located, known as the Château de Riéves.
The other variants arise from the many translations of the Old English word "riof" into different languages, as the surname crossed state and language boundaries. Translations of riof into French, such as the words "reves" and "riéves," yield different, but related, spellings.
The origin of the name is debated, with some believing the surname derived from an old Anglo-Saxon tribe name "Riofa," meaning "held securely." Others argue the name is derived from the Old Norse personal name Ríufr, derived from the words "ríki,” meaning "rule," and “uoffr," meaning "wolf."
Regardless of the origin, the many variations of the Reves surname all reveal a common history of "strength" and "security," traits many of the bearers of this ancient name would surely be proud to call their own.
Famous people with the name Reves
- Katherine Reves: American actress
- Raymond Reves: American entrepreneur, philanthropist and vintner
- Ellis Reves: English professional dancer and choreographer
- Ralph Reves: American singer and songwriter
- Laura Reves: Spanish model
- Lorne Reves: Canadian actor
- Michael Reves: Canadian canoe explorer
- Brooke Reves: American actress
- William Reves: American football player
- Edith Reves: American missionary and author
- Larry Reves: American child actor
- Stephen Reves: American clarinetist
- Scott Reves: American actor
- Richard Reves: English timber merchant
- Rosemary Reves: British painter
- Matthew Reves: American soccer player
- Austin Reves: American painter
- Queenie Reves: English actress
- Arnold Reves: American classical scholar
- Edward Reves: British officer of arms