Nereo is an Italian name of Latin origin, derived from the word 'nerus,' which means 'strong' or 'powerful.' It was used in ancient Rome to denote a strong or powerful man. In Italian mythology, Nereo is also the god of the sea and is often associated with water deities.
"The name Nereo experienced popularity with a peak in the late 90s, with no births recorded between 1987 and 1996, followed by five births each year until 2002, totaling twenty-one births over this span."