Reece

♂ Boy

Pronounced REES /riːs/High

Meaning: Welsh name from 'Rhys,' meaning 'ardor,' 'enthusiasm,' or 'fiery spirit'; Reece is an Anglicized spelling of the Welsh Rhys used as a given nameHigh

In 30 seconds: Reece is the Anglicized form of the Welsh name Rhys meaning 'ardor' or 'fiery spirit.' Short and punchy, it carries Celtic heritage in a clean, modern package that works well in English-speaking countries.

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Origin HighWelsh

MeaningWelsh name from 'Rhys,' meaning 'ardor,' 'enthusiasm,' or 'fiery spirit'; Reece is an Anglicized spelling of the Welsh Rhys used as a given name

U.S. rank (2025)#460 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births675 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2001

Total births (all-time)≈ 21,965

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Reece is an Anglicization of the Welsh Rhys (pronounced HREES in Welsh), meaning 'ardor' or 'enthusiasm.' Rhys was a major royal name in medieval Wales, borne by several Welsh princes and kings. The Anglicized forms Reece and Reese developed as the name spread into English-speaking communities.

In the United States, Reece and Reese gained popularity in the late 20th century as Welsh names became more accessible to English-speaking parents. The name works well for both boys and girls — actress Reese Witherspoon helped popularize the name for girls, while Reece remains predominantly used for boys.

Did you know? Rhys was one of the most important names in medieval Wales, borne by the powerful Lord Rhys (Rhys ap Gruffudd), ruler of Deheubarth in the 12th century — making this name with royal Welsh medieval associations a surprisingly rich choice.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Reece — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RhysReeseRees

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Rhys ap Gruffudd (The Lord Rhys) (c. 1132–1197)
12th-century Welsh ruler of Deheubarth, major patron of Welsh culture

If you like Reece…

Rhys— the original Welsh form of the same name

Bryce— shares the crisp Celtic-origin one-syllable feel

Pierce— another short, sharp name with Celtic heritage

Chase— equally punchy one-syllable name with modern American appeal

Frequently Asked

What does Reece mean?

Reece is an Anglicized form of the Welsh name Rhys, meaning 'ardor,' 'enthusiasm,' or 'fiery spirit.'

How do you pronounce Reece?

Reece is a single syllable pronounced REES /riːs/.

Is Reece the same as Reese?

They are alternate spellings of the Anglicized form of Welsh Rhys, pronounced the same way. Reece is slightly more common for boys, Reese slightly more common for girls.

Is Reece a popular boys' name?

Yes. Reece and Reese together have been in the U.S. top 300 boys' names in recent years, valued for their clean, modern sound and Welsh heritage.