"Reference" was the original term used in the languages derived from ALGOL for what is now called "pointer".

The distinction that exists in C++ between "reference" and "pointer" is something very recent. In the past the 2 terms were synonymous.

The term "pointer" was introduced by IBM PL/I in July 1966, where it replaced "reference".

PL/I has introduced many terms that have replaced previously used terms. For example:

reference => pointer

record => structure

process => task

and a few others that I do not remember right now.

"Pointer" and "structure" have become dominant after they have been taken by the C language from PL/I and then C has become extremely popular. Previously "reference" and "record" were more frequently used.