"ardor, enthusiasm, passion"
Origin: Welsh
Language: Welsh
Reece
Pronunciation: [ r-EES ]
Does Reece flow with your last name?
A Welsh royal name meaning 'passionate and bold'
Welsh
English
American
Strong
Bold
Modern
Minimalist
Playful
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"fiery, impetuous"
Origin: Old Welsh
Language: English
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The Story of Reece
Reece is an anglicization of the Welsh name Rhys, derived from the Old Welsh 'ris' meaning 'ardor,' 'enthusiasm,' or 'passion.' It was the name of several Welsh kings and princes, most notably Rhys ap Tewdwr (died 1093) and The Lord Rhys (Rhys ap Gruffudd, 1132-1197), influential rulers of Deheubarth in southwest Wales who are celebrated figures in Welsh history.
Originally a masculine Welsh name, Reece (and the spelling Reese) crossed over to feminine use in the 2000s, largely following Reese Witherspoon's rise to Hollywood superstardom. Today it functions as a stylish unisex name in the United States, particularly popular for girls.
Rhys is one of the oldest Welsh names still in active use, carried by Welsh royalty and warriors for over a thousand years. As Reece, it represents the American tradition of adopting old Celtic names and the modern trend toward confident, gender-neutral names.
Historical Record
Reece first appeared in US Social Security records in 1994.
Over 4,746 babies have been named Reece in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Reece is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,434 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Rhys has been used in Wales continuously for over 1,000 years, making it one of the most enduring given names in the British Isles
- Reese Witherspoon, born Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon, uses her mother's maiden name as her first name
Reece in Other Languages
Welsh
Rhys
French
Reece
English
Reese
Spanish
Reece
Popularity Over Time
#1,434
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Reece
R
Reese Witherspoon
Actor
1976
Academy Award-winning American actress and producer known for Legally Blonde and Wild
R
Rhys ap Gruffudd (The Lord Rhys)
Royalty
1132
Powerful ruler of Deheubarth, Wales, patron of the arts and organizer of the first recorded Eisteddfod in 1176
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Compare Reece with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #1,434
- Total SSA Count
- 155
- 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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Timeless choice, Welsh heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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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
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Reece
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Reece is also used as a boy name, ranked #455.
View Reece as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Welsh)
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Latin via French origin
"day's work, daily passage"
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Japanese/Chinese cultural tradition origin
"eternal beauty, unblemished love"
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Sanskrit origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Reece
What does the name Reece mean?
"ardor, enthusiasm, passion" (from Welsh). "fiery, impetuous" (from Old Welsh). Reece is an anglicization of the Welsh name Rhys, derived from the Old Welsh 'ris' meaning 'ardor,' 'enthusiasm,' or 'passion.' It was the name of several Welsh kings and princes, most notably Rhys ap Tewdwr (died 1093) and The Lord Rhys (Rhys ap Gruffudd, 1132-1197), influential rulers of Deheubarth in southwest Wales who are celebrated figures in Welsh history.
What is the origin of the name Reece?
Reece has Welsh, Old Welsh, English, and American origins. In Welsh, it means "ardor, enthusiasm, passion". In Old Welsh, it means "fiery, impetuous".
Is Reece a boy or girl name?
Reece is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1434. As a boy name, it is ranked #455. Reece is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Reece?
Reece is pronounced r-EES.
How popular is the name Reece?
Reece is currently ranked #1434 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Reece?
Common nicknames for Reece include Ree, Rey, Reie, and Reekins.
What are good middle names for Reece?
Popular middle name pairings include Reece Marie, Reece Elizabeth, Reece Ann, Reece Lynn, Reece Morgan, Reece Grace, and Reece Nicole.
What are good sibling names for Reece?
Names that pair well with Reece as siblings include Morgan, Blake, Quinn, Riley, Logan, and Cameron.
How many syllables does Reece have?
Reece has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Reece a common or rare name?
Reece is an uncommon name, ranked #1434 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Reece
Reece is a girl name with Welsh, English, and American origins . The name means "ardor, enthusiasm, passion" in Welsh .
Is Reece a boy or girl name? Reece is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,434 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #455. Reece is more commonly used as a boy name.
Reece is currently ranked #1,434 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Reece has 1 syllable and is pronounced r-EES, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Reece 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