"language, voice"
Origin: Polynesian/Māori
Language: Māori
Reo
Pronunciation: [ r-EE-oh ]
Does Reo flow with your last name?
A crisp Japanese name with global cool and Polynesian soul
Japanese
American
Modern
Minimalist
Bold
Unique
Playful
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"respectful connection"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with REO Speedwagon, the 1970s-80s rock band; may evoke classic rock associations
The Story of Reo
Reo (レオ) is a Japanese given name with multiple possible kanji writings, including 怜央 (wise, center), 礼緒 (respectful, thread/connection), or simply written in katakana. The name is also a Polynesian word meaning 'language' or 'voice,' particularly in Hawaiian and Māori. In the US, REO is primarily associated with REO Speedwagon, the rock band whose name referenced a flatbed truck brand. As a baby name, Reo is most popular in Japan where it has been steadily gaining favor.
In Japan, Reo entered the top baby name lists in the 2000s and 2010s as parents sought names that work well internationally. The similar-sounding Leo also boosted Reo's appeal as a Japanese alternative. Outside Japan, Reo appeals to parents who want a short, punchy name with cross-cultural flair.
In Māori culture, 'reo' means language or voice, as in 'te reo Māori' (the Māori language). The Māori language revitalization movement has made 'reo' a culturally charged and celebrated word in New Zealand.
Historical Record
Reo first appeared in US Social Security records in 1953.
Over 511 babies have been named Reo in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Reo is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #6,054 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In Māori, 'te reo Māori' means 'the Māori language' — reo is the word for language or voice
- REO Speedwagon, the band, takes their name from an early 20th-century flatbed truck produced by Ransom E. Olds
Reo in Other Languages
Māori
Reo (language/voice)
Spanish
Reo
Hawaiian
Reo (voice)
Japanese
レオ/怜央
Popularity Over Time
#6,054
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Reo
R
Reo Hatate
Athlete
1998
Japanese professional footballer who plays for Celtic FC in Scotland
R
Reo Ueda
Athlete
Japanese footballer known in Japanese professional leagues
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,054
- Total SSA Count
- 15
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Reo
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Reo is also used as a girl name, ranked #69877.
View Reo as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Reo
What does the name Reo mean?
"language, voice" (from Polynesian/Māori). "respectful connection" (from Japanese). Reo (レオ) is a Japanese given name with multiple possible kanji writings, including 怜央 (wise, center), 礼緒 (respectful, thread/connection), or simply written in katakana. The name is also a Polynesian word meaning 'language' or 'voice,' particularly in Hawaiian and Māori. In the US, REO is primarily associated with REO Speedwagon, the rock band whose name referenced a flatbed truck brand. As a baby name, Reo is most popular in Japan where it has been steadily gaining favor.
What is the origin of the name Reo?
Reo has Polynesian/Māori, Japanese, and American origins. In Polynesian/Māori, it means "language, voice". In Japanese, it means "respectful connection".
Is Reo a boy or girl name?
Reo is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #6054. As a girl name, it is ranked #69877. Reo is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Reo?
Reo is pronounced r-EE-oh.
How popular is the name Reo?
Reo is currently ranked #6054 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Reo?
Popular middle name pairings include Reo James, Reo Kai, Reo Cole, Reo Finn, Reo Blake, Reo Miles, and Reo Grey.
What are good sibling names for Reo?
Names that pair well with Reo as siblings include Leo, Kai, Ren, Hana, Yuki, Mia, and Nova.
How many syllables does Reo have?
Reo has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Reo a common or rare name?
Reo is an uncommon name, ranked #6054 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Reo?
Are there other spellings for Reo?
Related spellings include Reon.
About the Name Reo
Reo is a boy name with Japanese and American origins . The name means "language, voice" in Polynesian/Māori .
Is Reo a boy or girl name? Reo is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #6,054 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #69,877. Reo is more commonly used as a boy name.
Reo is currently ranked #6,054 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Reo has 2 syllables and is pronounced r-EE-oh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Reo include Reon . 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