Reese

♀ Girl

Pronounced REES /riːs/High

Meaning: Enthusiasm, ardor — anglicized form of Welsh Rhys, meaning enthusiasm, ardor, or fiery warriorHigh

In 30 seconds: The anglicized form of the ancient Welsh name Rhys meaning 'enthusiasm' or 'ardor,' Reese is a polished one-syllable surname-name that crossed from boys to girls and became a celebrity-driven modern classic.

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Origin HighWelsh

MeaningEnthusiasm, ardor — anglicized form of Welsh Rhys, meaning enthusiasm, ardor, or fiery warrior

U.S. rank (2025)#192 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births1,631 girls (0.10% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2012

Total births (all-time)≈ 44,770

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 the Welsh name Rhys, one of the oldest and most historically prominent Welsh given names. Rhys comes from an Old Celtic root meaning 'enthusiasm,' 'ardor,' or 'rashness.' It was borne by numerous Welsh princes including Rhys ap Tewdwr and Rhys ap Gruffudd. The anglicized Reese became a common Welsh surname.

Reese has been used as a given name in the United States, particularly in Welsh-heritage communities. Its modern surge as a girls' name was substantially driven by actress Reese Witherspoon (b. 1976). It entered the U.S. top 100 girls' names in the late 1990s and has remained popular, fitting the trend for short, sleek surname-names.

Did you know? Actress Reese Witherspoon (born Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon) popularized the name enormously when she rose to fame in the late 1990s and 2000s — she was using her mother's maiden name as her first name, a pattern that helped establish the surname-name-for-girls trend.

Variations

RhysReece

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Reese Witherspoon (b. 1976)
Academy Award-winning American actress who helped popularize the name for girls in the late 1990s.

If you like Reese…

Sloane— one-syllable Celtic surname-name with the same sleek, modern girls' appeal

Quinn— one-syllable Irish/Celtic surname-name equally popular for girls

Blake— one-syllable surname-name with the same cool, crisp modern character

Reece— lands in the same popularity range

Wynn— lands in the same popularity range

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Reese mean?

Reese is the anglicized form of Welsh Rhys, meaning 'enthusiasm,' 'ardor,' or 'fiery' — associated with passionate spirit.

How do you pronounce Reese?

Reese is pronounced REES /riːs/ — one syllable.

Is Reese a boy or girl name?

Reese is now used primarily as a girls' name in the U.S., though the original Welsh Rhys is a boys' name.

How popular is Reese?

Reese has been in the U.S. top 100 girls' names since the early 2000s, substantially aided by actress Reese Witherspoon.