Reu as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Reu

What is the meaning of the name Reu ?

The baby name Reu is a Male name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced REH-oo (reh-OO); sometimes anglicized as ROO.

Reu is Hebrew in Origin.

Reu is a brief biblical name from Hebrew רְעוּ (Rəʿû), appearing in Genesis 11 and 1 Chronicles as a postdiluvian patriarch, father of Serug and ancestor of Abraham; Luke’s genealogy preserves the Greek form Ραγαύ (Ragau). Its etymology is debated: it may relate to Hebrew roots ra‘ah “to pasture, shepherd” or rēa‘ “companion, friend,” yielding senses such as “shepherd” or “friend/companion,” or, less likely, to rā’āh “to see,” implying “vision.” A linkage to Akkadian rê’u “shepherd” is also possible, reflecting ancient Northwest Semitic naming patterns.

The name saw limited use across history, occasionally revived by communities drawing from the full range of biblical genealogies, but it has remained rare in most languages. Variants and transliterations include Reu (English), Rə‘u (scholarly), Ragau (Greek/Latin tradition), and Reu/Reú in some modern translations. Not to be confused with Reuel or Reuben, it offers a succinct, archaic sound with layered Near Eastern roots.