diff --git a/Lib/fontTools/varLib/instancer/__init__.py b/Lib/fontTools/varLib/instancer/__init__.py
index 8ff56b90a..73838db15 100644
--- a/Lib/fontTools/varLib/instancer/__init__.py
+++ b/Lib/fontTools/varLib/instancer/__init__.py
@@ -1283,7 +1283,7 @@ def setRibbiBits(font):
     """Set the `head.macStyle` and `OS/2.fsSelection` style bits
     appropriately."""
 
-    english_ribbi_style = font["name"].getName(2, 3, 1, 0x409)
+    english_ribbi_style = font["name"].getName(names.NameID.SUBFAMILY_NAME, 3, 1, 0x409)
     if english_ribbi_style is None:
         return