"ardor, enthusiasm, fierceness"
Origin: Welsh
Language: Welsh
Reese
Pronunciation: [ r-EES ]
Does Reese flow with your last name?
A Welsh prince's fire in one syllable
Welsh
English
American
Classic
Bold
Vintage
Strong
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Meaning & Origin
"passionate, fiery one"
Origin: Old Welsh
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups candy brand, which may invite playful teasing
The Story of Reese
Reese is the Anglicized form of the Welsh name Rhys, one of Wales's most ancient and beloved names. Rhys derives from the Old Welsh element ris meaning 'ardor,' 'enthusiasm,' or 'fierceness' — traits prized in Welsh warriors and leaders. The name was borne by Welsh princes including Rhys ap Gruffudd (the Lord Rhys), the most powerful Welsh ruler of the 12th century. The Anglicized spelling Reese became common in America, particularly among Welsh immigrant families.
Reese has historically been used for boys but has become increasingly gender-neutral in the United States, with notable use for girls since the 2000s partly due to actress Reese Witherspoon (born Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon — Reese is her mother's maiden name). For boys, it remains a classic choice with strong Welsh roots.
In Wales, Rhys is a name of profound national significance — it was borne by kings, princes, and heroes. The Lord Rhys (Rhys ap Gruffudd, 1132–1197) was one of Wales's greatest rulers, who held off Norman and English incursion and patronized Welsh culture. Choosing Rhys or Reese connects a child to this proud Welsh heritage.
Historical Record
Reese first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 17,206 babies have been named Reese in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Reese is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #621 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Rhys ap Gruffudd (the Lord Rhys) held the first recorded Eisteddfod — the Welsh festival of poetry and music — in 1176
- Reese Witherspoon's birth name is Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon — Reese is her mother's maiden name
Reese in Other Languages
Welsh
Rhys
French
Reese
German
Reese
Spanish
Reese
Popularity Over Time
#621
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Reese
R
Reese Witherspoon
Actor
1976
Academy Award-winning American actress and producer known for Legally Blonde (2001), Walk the Line (2005), and the strea...
Academy Award-winning American actress and producer known for Legally Blonde (2001), Walk the Line (2005), and the streaming series Big Little Lies
R
Rhys ap Gruffudd (The Lord Rhys)
Royalty
1132
The most powerful Welsh ruler of the 12th century, who resisted English and Norman conquest and hosted the first recorde...
The most powerful Welsh ruler of the 12th century, who resisted English and Norman conquest and hosted the first recorded Eisteddfod in 1176
R
Ryan Reese
Athlete
Common name in American athletics; Reese has been borne by various notable athletes across sports
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #621
- Total SSA Count
- 455
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Nicknames
Ree
Rey
Reie
Reekins
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Reese
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Reese is also used as a girl name, ranked #190.
View Reese as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Welsh)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Reese
What does the name Reese mean?
"ardor, enthusiasm, fierceness" (from Welsh). "passionate, fiery one" (from Old Welsh). Reese is the Anglicized form of the Welsh name Rhys, one of Wales's most ancient and beloved names. Rhys derives from the Old Welsh element ris meaning 'ardor,' 'enthusiasm,' or 'fierceness' — traits prized in Welsh warriors and leaders. The name was borne by Welsh princes including Rhys ap Gruffudd (the Lord Rhys), the most powerful Welsh ruler of the 12th century. The Anglicized spelling Reese became common in America, particularly among Welsh immigrant families.
What is the origin of the name Reese?
Reese has Welsh, Old Welsh, English, and American origins. In Welsh, it means "ardor, enthusiasm, fierceness". In Old Welsh, it means "passionate, fiery one".
Is Reese a boy or girl name?
Reese is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #621. As a girl name, it is ranked #190. Reese is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Reese?
Reese is pronounced r-EES.
How popular is the name Reese?
Reese is currently ranked #621 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Reese?
Common nicknames for Reese include Ree, Rey, Reie, and Reekins.
What are good middle names for Reese?
Popular middle name pairings include Reese James, Reese William, Reese Thomas, Reese Alexander, Reese Michael, Reese Owen, and Reese Bennett.
What are good sibling names for Reese?
Names that pair well with Reese as siblings include Quinn, Grey, Blake, Harper, Morgan, Avery, and Bryce.
How many syllables does Reese have?
Reese has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Reese a common or rare name?
Reese is moderately common, ranked #621 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Reese
Reese is a boy name with Welsh, English, and American origins . The name means "ardor, enthusiasm, fierceness" in Welsh .
Is Reese a boy or girl name? Reese is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #621 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #190. Reese is more commonly used as a girl name.
Reese is currently ranked #621 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Reese has 1 syllable and is pronounced r-EES, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Reese include Ree, Rey, Reie, and Reekins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis