Reef

Meaning of Reef

Reef, adopted directly from the English maritime term for a ridge of rock or coral near the ocean’s surface, carries an unmistakable seafaring vibe that appeals to parents who prefer word-names with a touch of rugged naturalism. Linguistically, the noun traces back through Middle Dutch rif and Old Norse hreif, underscoring its sturdy North-Sea pedigree. In the United States it has hovered in the mid-800s on the boys’ chart for the past two decades—steady enough to feel familiar yet rare enough to stand out beside classmates named River or Finn. The imagery is hard to miss: sun-bleached beaches, surfers threading turquoise breaks, and—if one squints—a subtle nod to conservation, given the global attention on coral ecosystems. For families looking to anchor a son’s name to something both elemental and concise, Reef delivers its single-syllable punch with briny confidence and very little fuss.

Pronunciation

American English

• Pronunced as reef (/rif/)

• River
• Cove
• Ocean
• Wave
• Tide