"counsel power, wise advisor"
Origin: Germanic
Language: English
Reynolds
Pronunciation: [ r-EHN-uhldz ]
Does Reynolds flow with your last name?
A distinguished surname turned bold first name
English
American
Irish
Welsh
Vintage
Strong
Sophisticated
Bold
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Meaning & Origin
"mighty ruler with good counsel"
Origin: Old French/Norman
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Ryan Reynolds, the actor — may feel very contemporary
The Story of Reynolds
Reynolds is an English surname derived from the medieval given name Reynold, from the Germanic Raginald, combining ragin meaning counsel or advice and ald meaning old or mighty power. The name came to England with the Normans as Reynaud/Reinald and evolved into the surname Reynolds through centuries of use. Its use as a first name follows the fashionable trend of surname-as-given-name.
Reynolds gained renewed attention as a first name in the 2010s and 2020s, partly due to the immense popularity of Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds. The surname trend in first names has been growing steadily, with Reynolds appealing to parents who want a distinguished, slightly formal option.
The Reynolds name has deep roots in Welsh and Irish history, with notable Reynolds families throughout the British Isles. In America, Joshua Reynolds was one of the most celebrated portrait painters of the 18th century, lending the name artistic prestige.
Historical Record
Reynolds first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 820 babies have been named Reynolds in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Reynolds is past its peak , currently ranked #5,009 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Sir Joshua Reynolds was the first president of the Royal Academy of Arts in London
- Ryan Reynolds has been named one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood multiple times
Reynolds in Other Languages
French
Renaud
German
Reinhold
English
Reynolds
Italian
Rinaldo
Spanish
Reinaldo
Popularity Over Time
#5,009
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1952
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Reynolds
R
Ryan Reynolds
Actor
1976
Canadian-American actor and entrepreneur known for Deadpool and Aviation Gin
S
Sir Joshua Reynolds
Artist
1723
English portrait painter and first president of the Royal Academy of Arts
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,009
- Total SSA Count
- 20
- Cultural Origins
- English American Irish Welsh
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Rey
Rey-Rey
Noldy
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Reynolds
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Reynolds is also used as a girl name, ranked #7120.
View Reynolds as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Reynolds
What does the name Reynolds mean?
"counsel power, wise advisor" (from Germanic). "mighty ruler with good counsel" (from Old French/Norman). Reynolds is an English surname derived from the medieval given name Reynold, from the Germanic Raginald, combining ragin meaning counsel or advice and ald meaning old or mighty power. The name came to England with the Normans as Reynaud/Reinald and evolved into the surname Reynolds through centuries of use. Its use as a first name follows the fashionable trend of surname-as-given-name.
What is the origin of the name Reynolds?
Reynolds has Germanic, Old French/Norman, English, American, Irish, and Welsh origins. In Germanic, it means "counsel power, wise advisor". In Old French/Norman, it means "mighty ruler with good counsel".
Is Reynolds a boy or girl name?
Reynolds is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #5009. As a girl name, it is ranked #7120. Reynolds is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Reynolds?
Reynolds is pronounced r-EHN-uhldz.
How popular is the name Reynolds?
Reynolds is currently ranked #5009 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Reynolds?
Common nicknames for Reynolds include Rey, Rey-Rey, and Noldy.
What are good middle names for Reynolds?
Popular middle name pairings include Reynolds James, Reynolds Thomas, Reynolds Cole, Reynolds Grant, Reynolds Pierce, and Reynolds Flynn.
What are good sibling names for Reynolds?
Names that pair well with Reynolds as siblings include Harrison, Fletcher, Monroe, Blythe, Waverly, and Callahan.
How many syllables does Reynolds have?
Reynolds has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Reynolds a common or rare name?
Reynolds is an uncommon name, ranked #5009 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Reynolds?
Are there other spellings for Reynolds?
Related spellings include Reynaldo.
About the Name Reynolds
Reynolds is a boy name with English, American, Irish, and Welsh origins . The name means "counsel power, wise advisor" in Germanic .
Is Reynolds a boy or girl name? Reynolds is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #5,009 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #7,120. Reynolds is more commonly used as a boy name.
Reynolds is currently ranked #5,009 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Reynolds has 2 syllables and is pronounced r-EHN-uhldz, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Reynolds include Rey, Rey-Rey, and Noldy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Reynolds include Reynaldo . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis