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Home › Baby Names Directory › Rhys

Rhys

♀ Girl

Pronounced REES /ˈris/High

Meaning: Ardor, enthusiasm, fiery zeal; a Welsh name borne by medieval princes, here used for girlsHigh

In 30 seconds: A Welsh prince's fire, in one sleek syllable: Rhys means 'ardor, enthusiasm' — a name of medieval kings now crossing to girls with Reese-like cool.
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Origin HighWelsh
MeaningArdor, enthusiasm, fiery zeal; a Welsh name borne by medieval princes, here used for girls
U.S. rank (2025)#3892 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births38 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2022
Total births (all-time)≈ 887

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202219942025

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

Rhys is a Welsh name meaning 'ardor, enthusiasm' — borne by princes like the Lord Rhys (Rhys ap Gruffydd). The anglicized Reese became a girls' name in America (Reese Witherspoon); the authentic Welsh spelling Rhys, traditionally masculine, now appears for girls too.

It registers thinly for girls in recent records, riding Reese's popularity with Welsh authenticity. Rare, fiery-rooted, and crisply unisex.

Did you know? The Lord Rhys ruled medieval Wales in the twelfth century and hosted the first recorded eisteddfod — Wales's great poetry-and-music festival; the name means 'fiery enthusiasm' for good reason.
Overall data confidence 85%
Behind the Name — Rhys — etymology

Variations

ReeseReeceRees

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Rhys…

Reese— the anglicized girls' favorite
Reece— the alternate spelling of the same name
Rhett— a fellow one-syllable name with edge
Quinn— the companion crisp unisex pick

Explore names like Rhys

By themeunisexwelshshort-and-sweet
By meaningRoyal / NobleFire

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Rhys mean?

Rhys is Welsh for 'ardor, enthusiasm, fiery zeal' — a name of medieval Welsh princes.

How do you pronounce Rhys?

It's said REES /ˈris/ — a single syllable, like Reese.

Is Rhys a boy or girl name?

Rhys is traditionally a boy's name; this page covers its growing use for girls.

How popular is Rhys?

Rhys is a rare name for girls in the U.S.; Reese is the familiar feminine form.

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