UK surname
Derived from the Old French word "rives," meaning "riverbanks," likely referring to someone who lived near a river.
In the 1881 census there were 248 people recorded with the Reaves surname, ranking it #11,140 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 52, ranked #34,780, down from #11,140 in 1881.
The strongest historical links point to Berkeswell, Rudgwick and London parishes. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include No data.
Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Reaves is 491 in 1861. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 79.0%.
1881 census count
248
Ranked #11,140
Modern count
52
2016, ranked #34,780
Peak year
1861
491 bearers
Map years
6
1851 to 1911
Key insights
Map
Back to topThe map shows where the Reaves surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.
Distribution map
Reaves surname density by area, 1881 census.
Timeline
Back to topThe table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.
| Year | Period | Count | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1851 | historical | 302 | #7,606 |
| 1861 | historical | 491 | #5,322 |
| 1881 | historical | 248 | #11,140 |
| 1891 | historical | 345 | #9,944 |
| 1901 | historical | 200 | #15,120 |
| 1911 | historical | 191 | #15,392 |
| 1997 | modern | 54 | #32,210 |
| 1998 | modern | 59 | #32,027 |
| 1999 | modern | 57 | #32,367 |
| 2000 | modern | 62 | #31,939 |
| 2001 | modern | 56 | #32,379 |
| 2002 | modern | 61 | #32,286 |
| 2003 | modern | 57 | #32,704 |
| 2004 | modern | 60 | #32,684 |
| 2005 | modern | 56 | #33,264 |
| 2006 | modern | 56 | #33,587 |
| 2007 | modern | 58 | #33,731 |
| 2008 | modern | 62 | #33,565 |
| 2009 | modern | 64 | #33,675 |
| 2010 | modern | 70 | #33,480 |
| 2011 | modern | 62 | #34,045 |
| 2012 | modern | 47 | #34,992 |
| 2013 | modern | 51 | #34,834 |
| 2014 | modern | 54 | #34,700 |
| 2015 | modern | 52 | #34,775 |
| 2016 | modern | 52 | #34,780 |
Geography
Back to topHistorical parish links are strongest around Berkeswell, Rudgwick, London parishes, Lambeth and Coventry Holy Trinity (incl. Radford), Coventry St Michael, Wyken. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.
The modern local-area list points to No data. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.
| Rank | Parish | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeswell | Warwickshire |
| 2 | Rudgwick | Sussex |
| 3 | London parishes | London 3 |
| 4 | Lambeth | London (South Districts) |
| 5 | Coventry Holy Trinity (incl. Radford), Coventry St Michael, Wyken | Warwickshire |
| Rank | Area | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No data | No data |
Forenames
Back to topThese lists show first names that appear often with the Reaves surname in historical and recent records.
Recent female names
Recent male names
Modern profile
Back to topModern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Reaves, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.
These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.
The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.
UK neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Nationally, the Reaves surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as No data, within No data. This does not mean every Reaves household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.
London neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Within London, Reaves is most associated with areas classed as No data, part of No data. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.
Broadband speed
The modern neighbourhood pattern for Reaves is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of No data.
Area snapshot
This describes the area pattern most associated with Reaves, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.
Origin
Back to topThe surname Reaves originated in England, with the earliest recorded instances dating back to the 13th century. It is believed to be derived from the Old English word "refe," which means a bailiff or a land steward. The name likely referred to someone who held such a position or was associated with that occupation.
The surname Reaves can be traced back to various counties in England, including Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Derbyshire. It is often associated with the village of Reeves in Lincolnshire, which may have influenced the spelling and pronunciation of the name over time.
One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Reaves can be found in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where it appears as "Reve." This ancient document was a survey of landholdings and tenants in England, providing valuable insights into the distribution and prevalence of surnames during that period.
In the 14th century, the surname appeared in various forms, such as "Reve," "Reeve," and "Reven," reflecting the regional variations in pronunciation and spelling. The Reaves family was well-established in Derbyshire, where records show several members holding prominent positions in the local community.
John Reaves, born in 1510 in Yorkshire, was a notable figure in the English Reformation. He was a Protestant reformer and a close associate of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. Reaves played a significant role in translating and distributing religious texts during a time of great religious upheaval in England.
Another prominent individual with the surname Reaves was William Reaves, born in 1625 in Lincolnshire. He was a successful merchant and landowner, known for his philanthropic efforts in supporting local churches and educational institutions.
In the 18th century, Thomas Reaves, born in 1745 in Derbyshire, made a name for himself as a skilled engineer and inventor. He is credited with developing several innovative agricultural tools and machinery, contributing to the advancement of farming practices in England.
The Reaves family also had connections to the arts, with Elizabeth Reaves, born in 1780 in Yorkshire, being a renowned portrait painter. Her works were highly sought after by the aristocracy and are still displayed in various art galleries across England.
Benjamin Reaves, born in 1832 in Lincolnshire, was a celebrated explorer and naturalist. He embarked on several expeditions to remote regions of Africa and Asia, documenting the flora and fauna of these areas and contributing significantly to the field of natural history.
While the surname Reaves has its roots in England, it has since spread across the globe, with descendants of the early Reaves families found in various parts of the world. The name continues to carry a rich historical legacy, reflecting the diverse experiences and achievements of those who have borne it over the centuries.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
1881 census detail
Back to topThese tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Reaves surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.
Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Middlesex leads with 36 Reaves' recorded in 1881 and an index of 1.49x.
| County | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Middlesex | 36 | 1.49x |
| Lancashire | 30 | 1.05x |
| Kent | 24 | 2.92x |
| Warwickshire | 24 | 3.95x |
| Yorkshire | 20 | 0.84x |
| Staffordshire | 15 | 1.84x |
| Hampshire | 13 | 2.63x |
| Surrey | 13 | 1.11x |
| Glamorgan | 9 | 2.15x |
| Midlothian | 8 | 2.48x |
| Sussex | 8 | 1.97x |
| Oxfordshire | 6 | 4.03x |
| Lincolnshire | 5 | 1.30x |
| Wiltshire | 5 | 2.35x |
| Essex | 4 | 0.84x |
| Northumberland | 4 | 1.12x |
| Derbyshire | 3 | 0.80x |
| Leicestershire | 3 | 1.12x |
| Nottinghamshire | 3 | 0.92x |
| Denbighshire | 2 | 2.20x |
| Durham | 2 | 0.28x |
| Somerset | 2 | 0.52x |
| Buckinghamshire | 1 | 0.69x |
| Devon | 1 | 0.20x |
| Herefordshire | 1 | 1.01x |
| Hertfordshire | 1 | 0.60x |
| Lanarkshire | 1 | 0.13x |
| Renfrewshire | 1 | 0.54x |
| Shropshire | 1 | 0.48x |
| Worcestershire | 1 | 0.32x |
Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Brightside Bierlow in Yorkshire leads with 11 Reaves' recorded in 1881 and an index of 23.49x.
These are the female first names most often recorded with the Reaves surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
| Name | Count |
|---|---|
| Elizabeth | 13 |
| Mary | 10 |
| Sarah | 10 |
| Eliza | 8 |
| Ann | 5 |
| Alice | 4 |
| Harriet | 4 |
| Jane | 4 |
| Annie | 3 |
| Caroline | 3 |
| Charlotte | 3 |
| Martha | 3 |
| Catherine | 2 |
| Ellen | 2 |
| Hannah | 2 |
| Kate | 2 |
| Louisa | 2 |
| Lucy | 2 |
| Minnie | 2 |
| Patience | 2 |
| Sophia | 2 |
| Bessie | 1 |
| Christine | 1 |
| Clara | 1 |
| Edith | 1 |
| Elizebeth | 1 |
| Emma | 1 |
| Ethel | 1 |
| Fanney | 1 |
| Fisk | 1 |
| Florence | 1 |
| Genevere | 1 |
| Helen | 1 |
| Hepzebah | 1 |
| Isabella | 1 |
| James | 1 |
| L. | 1 |
| Laura | 1 |
| Lilian | 1 |
| Lily | 1 |
| Lizzie | 1 |
| Lydia | 1 |
| Magge | 1 |
| Margaret | 1 |
| Maria | 1 |
| Matilda | 1 |
| Nelly | 1 |
| Priscilla | 1 |
| Prudence | 1 |
| Rebecca | 1 |
These are the male first names most often recorded with the Reaves surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Reaves households.
| Occupation | Count |
|---|---|
| Scholar | 30 |
| Coal Miner | 6 |
| Laundress | 4 |
| Annuitant | 3 |
| Charwoman | 3 |
| Domestic Servant | 3 |
| Dressmaker | 3 |
| Agric Lab | 2 |
| Beer Retailer | 2 |
| Lab | 2 |
| Laborer | 2 |
| Milliner & Draper | 2 |
| Pedlar | 2 |
| Sawyer | 2 |
| Servant | 2 |
| Ag Lab Waggoners Mate | 1 |
| Assistant (Inn Serv) | 1 |
| Bootmaker | 1 |
| Box Maker | 1 |
| Box Manufacturer Employing 15 Women (Paper) | 1 |
| Brick Yd Lb | 1 |
| Bricklayer Labourer | 1 |
| Bricklayers Labr | 1 |
| Carman | 1 |
| Carpenter | 1 |
| Chamber Maid (I) | 1 |
| Cigar Maker | 1 |
| Clerk | 1 |
| Clerk In Coal Office | 1 |
| Coachman D. | 1 |
| Dom Groom | 1 |
| Domestic | 1 |
| Domestic Serv | 1 |
| Domestic Servt | 1 |
| Engine Fitter At Works | 1 |
| Engine Steam | 1 |
| Fancy Box Maker | 1 |
| Farm Labr | 1 |
| Farmer Of 2 Acres | 1 |
| Fisher Appren | 1 |
| Fishmonger | 1 |
| Formerly Ag Lab | 1 |
| Formerly Carrier | 1 |
| Freestone Sawyer (Mason) | 1 |
| Gardener | 1 |
| Gen Cleaner (Labourer) | 1 |
| General Domestic Servt | 1 |
| General Engraver (Arty) | 1 |
| General Lab | 1 |
| Wheelwright | 1 |
FAQ
In 1881, 248 people were recorded with the Reaves surname. That placed it at #11,140 in the surname rankings for that year.
The latest modern count shown here is 52 in 2016. That gives Reaves a modern rank of #34,780.
Derived from the Old French word "rives," meaning "riverbanks," likely referring to someone who lived near a river.
The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Reaves bearers relative to the surrounding population.
The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.