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At a Glance: Name: Reese – Meaning: from Rhys; usually glossed 'ardor, enthusiasm' (root disputed) – Origin: Welsh (anglicized form of Rhys, some US uses from an unrelated surname 'de Reese') – Gender: Neutral – Pronunciation: REESE
Reese is a gender-neutral name with a clean, modern, bold feel, pronounced REESE (/ˈriːs/). It's an anglicized form of the Welsh name Rhys, though some U.S. uses trace back to an unrelated surname, 'de Reese.' You'll often see it glossed as 'ardor' or 'enthusiasm,' but that isn't settled; it's also described as meaning 'wreath, garland.'
Meaning & Origin of Reese
Meaning: From Rhys; usually glossed 'ardor, enthusiasm' (root disputed).
Origin: Welsh (anglicized form of Rhys, some US uses from an unrelated surname 'de Reese').
A common claim: Reese means 'ardor' or 'enthusiasm' Actually: 'Ardor' or 'enthusiasm' is the most commonly repeated gloss, but it isn't settled — the name is also alternately described as meaning 'wreath, garland.'
Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.
How to Pronounce Reese
Phonetic: REESE IPA: /ˈriːs/
Popularity of Reese
Reese peaked at #128 in 2012, when 2,459 babies were given the name, and by 2024 it stood at #190 with 1,589 babies. It's slipped from its high point but is still a familiar name.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration birth-name data, 1880–2024.
Make Reese Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Reese, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
Names With a Similar Story
Derived from shared style, era, and origin data (or, for names we have no style data for, a similar Social Security popularity trajectory) — not a hand-picked list.
FAQ
What does the name Reese mean?
From Rhys; usually glossed ‘ardor, enthusiasm’ (root disputed). (Source: Wiktionary, https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Reese)
How do you pronounce Reese?
Reese is pronounced REESE (IPA: /ˈriːs/).
Is Reese a popular name right now?
Reese peaked at #128 in 2012 and is ranked #190 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)
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