Reese

♂ Boy

Pronounced REES /riːs/High

Meaning: Ardor, enthusiasm, fire; English form of Welsh Rhys (ardor, enthusiasm)High

In 30 seconds: The English spelling of the Welsh name Rhys, meaning 'ardor' or 'enthusiasm.' A name borne by Welsh princes for centuries, Reese is now a crisp unisex name in the U.S., familiar from actress Reese Witherspoon.

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Origin HighWelsh

MeaningArdor, enthusiasm, fire; English form of Welsh Rhys (ardor, enthusiasm)

U.S. rank (2025)#603 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births475 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2003

Total births (all-time)≈ 19,604

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Reese is the anglicized spelling of Welsh Rhys (ardor, enthusiasm), a name used by Welsh princes for centuries. The Welsh pronunciation is closer to 'Hrees' with a trilled R.

Reese has been used in the U.S. for both boys and girls. It ranked #620 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Rhys ap Gruffudd (1132–1197), known as 'The Lord Rhys,' was one of the greatest Welsh princes, who patronized the first eisteddfod (Welsh arts festival) in 1176 — the annual festival that continues to this day.

Overall data confidence 92%

Behind the Name — Reese — Welsh etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RhysRhees

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Reese Witherspoon (1976–present)
American actress and producer who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Walk the Line (2005).

If you like Reese…

Rhys— the original Welsh spelling of the same name

Remy— short French name with the same crisp one/two-syllable energy

Ryder— short -er ending surname name with the same breezy confidence

Reid— short Scottish surname with the same crisp single-syllable feel

Explore names like Reese

By themeunisex welsh one-syllable prince

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Reese mean?

Reese means 'ardor' or 'enthusiasm,' the English spelling of Welsh Rhys.

How do you pronounce Reese?

It's said REES — one syllable, rhyming with 'peace.'

Is Reese a boy or girl name?

Reese is used for both sexes.

How popular is Reese?

Reese ranked #620 for U.S. boys in 2024.