Reese

Pronunciation: [ r-EES ]

Boy Name #621 Most Popular Steady 1 Syllable

A Welsh prince's fire in one syllable

Welsh English American

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Meaning & Origin

"ardor, enthusiasm, fierceness"

Origin: Welsh

Language: Welsh

"passionate, fiery one"

Origin: Old Welsh

Language: English

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.

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

Famous People Named Reese

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

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

Ryan Reese

Athlete

Common name in American athletics; Reese has been borne by various notable athletes across sports

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 Reeie

Pairs Well With

Reese James Reese William Reese Thomas Reese Alexander Reese Michael Reese Owen Reese Bennett

Sibling Names

Quinn Grey Blake Harper Morgan Avery Bryce

Also a Girl Name

Reese is also used as a girl name, ranked #190.

View Reese as a girl name →

Similar Names

Percy Ross Pierce Price Creed Reece Wes Reed

Playground Safety

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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, and Reeie.

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, and Reeie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.