Reiss

♂ Boy

Pronounced REESS /ˈriːs/Medium

Meaning: Reiss is a German surname, variously explained as from Riese ('giant') or as a byname for someone of Russian connection. In English use it often reads instead as a spelling of the Welsh Rhys ('ardour; fiery'), since the two sound alike. Routes uncertain, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: One sharp beat: Reiss is a German surname, and in English often heard as a spelling of the Welsh Rhys (said 'REESS'). Routes uncertain.

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Origin LowGerman, Welsh

MeaningReiss is a German surname, variously explained as from Riese ('giant') or as a byname for someone of Russian connection. In English use it often reads instead as a spelling of the Welsh Rhys ('ardour; fiery'), since the two sound alike. Routes uncertain, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#13749 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1999

Total births (all-time)≈ 199

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

Reiss begins as a German surname — traced either to Riese, 'giant', or to a byname for someone linked to Russia. In English-speaking countries it has been picked up as a first name, where it often reads as a spelling of the Welsh Rhys, 'ardour; fiery', which sounds the same. Both routes are live, and we note the uncertainty (said 'REESS').

In the U.S. it is rare as a first name. Rare, crisp, and modern-feeling.

Did you know? Reiss and Rhys sound identical in English, which is why the German surname and the Welsh name keep getting mistaken for each other. Rhys means 'ardour; fiery'; Reiss is usually explained from Riese, 'giant'. Routes uncertain, which we note.

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Reiss — German surname; also read as a spelling of Welsh Rhys; routes uncertain

Variations

RhysReeceRees

Nicknames

ReiRee

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Reiss…

Rhys— the Welsh name it is often taken for

Reece— the same sound, another spelling

Rees— a like Welsh-rooted variant

Pierce— a like one-beat surname-name

Explore names like Reiss

By themeuncertain surname-name german welsh

By meaningFire

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Reiss mean?

Reiss is a German surname, usually explained from Riese ('giant'); in English it often reads as a spelling of the Welsh Rhys, 'ardour'. Routes uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Reiss?

It's said REESS /ˈriːs/ — one syllable, rhyming with 'peace'.

Is Reiss a boy or girl name?

Reiss is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Reiss?

Reiss is a rare first name for boys in the U.S.