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Reinaldo Boy

Popularity: #908 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationray-NAL-do / reɪˈnɑːl.doʊ

Spanish; Portuguese

Meaning

Spanish: Ruler's advisor; Portuguese: Counsel

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Reinaldo has its roots in the Germanic elements 'ragin,' meaning 'counsel,' and 'wald,' meaning 'to rule.' This name evolved into the Old High German form 'Reginhard,' which was later adapted into various forms across different languages, including the Latin 'Reginaldus.' The transition into the Romance languages saw the emergence of forms such as 'Reynald' in Old French, which eventually influenced the Spanish and Portuguese 'Reinaldo.' The name made its way into English through Norman influence after the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, where it was often rendered as 'Reginald.'

Historically, the name Reinaldo is associated with several notable figures. One of the earliest references can be traced to the 9th century, with Saint Reginald, a Christian martyr whose veneration contributed to the name's popularity in medieval Europe. The name also appears in various royal lineages, particularly in Spain and Portugal, where it has been borne by nobility and historical figures throughout the centuries. The name's prominence was further solidified by its inclusion in significant literary works and translations, such as the King James Bible, where variations of the name were used to denote characters of authority and leadership.

Culturally, Reinaldo carries connotations of strength and leadership, reflective of its etymological roots in counsel and rulership. The name has been embraced in various cultural contexts, often symbolizing nobility and wisdom. In some traditions, diminutive forms such as 'Rey' or 'Reyito' have emerged, showcasing the name's adaptability and enduring appeal across different cultures and languages. Overall, Reinaldo reflects a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution and historical significance, embodying qualities that have resonated through the ages.

Trend Summary

Reinaldo has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., with a modest presence in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Reinald
  • Rey

International Variants

  • Reinaldo (Spanish)
  • Reinald (German)
  • Reinaldo (Portuguese)

Famous people named Reinaldo

Reinaldo Arenas is a Cuban-American author best known for Before Night Falls, The Color of Summer, and The Assault.

Fictional characters named Reinaldo

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Reinaldo was first seen in the United States in 1912. Reinaldo has ranked as high as #1056 nationally, which occurred in 1963, and has been most popular in New York, Florida, California, Illinois, and Connecticut. In the past 5 years the name Reinaldo has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Reinaldo (2018)

StateBirthsShare
FL 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19126
19156
19205
19217
19229
19239
19247
19255
19276
192810
192910
193112
19326
19337
19348
19367
19375
19386
19408
19417
19427
19439
19456
19466
194715
194816
194916
195011
195131
195226
195331
195438
195533
195638
195750
195860
195945
196075
196161
196278
196388
196478
196574
196676
196764
196867
196976
197071
197181
197253
197366
197484
197563
197660
197769
197877
197977
198073
198170
198283
198388
198471
198575
198674
198767
198874
198966
199060
199164
199269
199344
199453
199554
199647
199743
199843
199940
200047
200144
200239
200337
200440
200541
200632
200737
200830
200925
201032
201117
201233
201321
201420
201518
201616
201711
201821
201918
202016
20218
202210
202318
202416