Reeva

[Girlsgirlsgirls08]

My DH and I have struggled to think of a girls name for our DD who is due in April.

We've just thought of the name Reeva and both really like it. I understand the potential links to Reeva Steenkamp, but it feels a shame to penalise a name because of what someone evil did.

Interested to see if people like it? Also any middle name ideas? Thank you!

It's a very harsh sounding name to me, so I wouldn't.

Exactly. The same reason why Adolf is absolutely unheard of and Joseph remains popular, the commonality of a name dilutes the association with a single individual.

I like the name and I had to looked up what the Reeva meant and what happened.
I read that she was shot by her boyfriend, I understand it was an accident so I don’t understand the bad feedback?
You could also change the spelling a bit, Riva, River?

I think use it if you like it. Reeva Steenkamp did nothing wrong so it isn't tainted in the same way that, say, Myra would be.

It reminds me of reevers which are a sort of thief typed monster/ person / baddy in fantasy and science fiction writing.

Reeva is a brand name of ramen / packet instant noodles.

People may remember the name for Reeva Steencamp but very unlikely that classmates and friends will know. I'd be surprised if anyone would say anything even if they recall Reeva when she's introduced. There are many names you can discount if you try and find something associated with them.
Nobody stopped using Ben or James, both remain very popular. I don't immediately think of those two poor little boys when I meet many of the Bens and James.
Reeva is a lovely name. Jessica & Holly are also popular, nobody stopped using them either.
Your daughter, your choice.

Nobody stopped using Ben or James, both remain very popular. I don't immediately think of those two poor little boys when I meet many of the Bens and James.

Well no but then those are far more common names so people have multiple associations with them. It's really not equivalent.

Immediately thought the same way as others here and went to steencamp

I automatically think of that poor woman trying to hide from her killer in the bathroom.

We have a Reeva at the school I work at .

Just thought Steenkamp, sorry.

I really like it! There’s plenty of names that have an association to someone but even when all of that happened I always thought it was such a beautiful name

@Geneticsbunny you and me both. I only know Reevers from Firefly (sci fi) where they are flesh eating, raping humans gone mad. So that and tragically Reeva Steenkamp both jump to mind.

Immediately thought of Reeva Steenkamp before I opened the thread

I would use it if you like it. It's already been a decade since her murder and none of your DD's peers would have been born. As a PP said, it's a closed case and Reeva Steenkamp was a victim not a killer.

I’ve never heard of reeva steenkamp so I have no idea why that’s a negative association, but I agree names shouldn’t be avoided for tragic events. I know lots of people still use madeleine as a name.

I prefer the Riva spelling, it’s a lovely name though. Definitely use it

I LOVE the name Reeva. It's stunning x

The origin of this is the Border Reivers.

I agree Reeva makes everyone think of Steencamp and it was such a sad story.

Raine is similar?

@HappyJellyBaby I did not know that, I had a google, very interesting. Reive a noun meaning raid and of course reivers. Rob, plunder and pillage.

I love Firefly and as a tv show I have never seen it written down so when they say reevers I just think that is how it is spelt.

Hello

Can I ask did you pick the name Reeva.
I am in two minds myself whether to use it or not.🙂

The association will fade with time.

It's a lovely name.

I much prefer the Riva spelling which also dilutes the connection.

I also knew a lovely Niva.

No from me, bad connotations unfortunately 😔

Apart from the connection to that beautiful murdered woman, I think the child would go through life with people mistakenly calling them River.

My grandmother was Reva, pronounced Reeva.

Use Reeva if you love it. It's silly not to. There is no good reason not to.